On a hike for the Superior View Hike class, one may notice a large number of birch trees that all lean in the same direction. What caused these trees to do such a thing? We had the same question!
Upon consulting human encyclopedia and Wolf Ridge naturalist Peter Harris, we discovered that there was a great ice storm that swept over the north country in 2009. Large amounts of ice loaded trees with a great weight and winds pushed many to their breaking point. The birch trees were able to bear the weight and bend with the wind, but a number of other trees, especially aspen, snapped.
Due to their extensive and aggressive root systems, those birch trees were likely able to stay grounded in the wind. But by doing so, those relatively flexible trees were forced to severely lean.
We hope you think of the leaning trees of Wolf Ridge every time you do that crazy dance move – the dab! Just like the birch trees, you keep your feet rooted and lean with your canopy (arms). Dab away!
by Rory Anderson, Hannah Edstrom, and Rosie Hesla