With close to 60% of its land area in forest, Connecticut is one of the most heavily forested states in the nation. At the same time, Connecticut is also one of the most densely populated states.
Connecticut’s forests and trees add immensely to the quality of life for the people of the state. They filter the air that is breathed, safeguard private and public drinking water sources, produce locally grown forest products, provide essential habitat for wildlife, and offer many recreational opportunities. Whether people in Connecticut live in an urban, suburban, or rural setting, they are connected to the forest. Forests and trees are integral to the character of Connecticut.
Forests are dynamic ecosystems, with numerous factors influencing their development. To understand the forest we must know about the history of the forest; what forces have shaped it; and the interactions between man, forest and nature.
The FORESTRY STATION LEARNING GUIDE below covers a wide variety of forestry topics. Students will develop a working knowledge of forest ecosystems and their management, and also an appreciation of the value of our forest resources. Students should focus on the following Learning Objectives.
FORESTRY STATION LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- CONNECTICUT FOREST HISTORY – Understand and describe the basic natural history of Connecticut’s forests.
- TREE PHYSIOLOGY – Identify “what makes a tree a tree” and tree growth characteristics adapted to soil types, water availability, and the needs of a tree.
- FOREST ECOLOGY – Understand and describe forest ecology principles, including:
- The relationship between soil and forest types
- Forest regeneration, competition, succession
- The relationship between factors such as climate, insects, diseases, wildlife, and invasive species on forest growth and development
- The function and value of forested watersheds and riparian areas
- FOREST MANAGEMENT – Understand and describe basic forest management practices for managing forests, including the difference between various silvicultural systems and treatments.
- TREE AND SHRUB IDENTIFICATION – Identify the common tree and shrub species in Connecticut.
- TREE MEASUREMENT – Use a clinometer, a DBH tape, and a Biltmore (tree scale) stick for measuring tree diameter and merchantable height, and estimating board-foot volume.
FORESTRY LEARNING GUIDE-STUDY MATERIALS:
1. CONNECTICUT FOREST HISTORY
- The History of Connecticut’s Forestlands (NEW)
- “CT’s Changing Landscape” http://clear3.uconn.edu/viewers/ctstory/
- “The Role of Service Foresters” by Larry Rousseau, CT DEEP Forestry (PDF)
- Tree Physiology (PDF)
- Clay-Bales-Tree Physiology (PDF)
- “Tree Owner’s Manual for the Northeast and Midwestern US”- by USDA Forest Service (PDF)
- How Trees Grow https://www.youtube.com/
3. FOREST ECOLOGY
- Forest Ecology 2018 (PDF)
- “Sustaining America’s Urban Forests” http://www.fs.fed.us/openspace/fote/reports/nrs-62_sustaining_americas_urban.pdf
FACTORS AFFECTING FOREST HEALTH
- Common Tree Diseases and Pests (PDF)
- “Invasive Organisms and Forest Health”: by Larry Rousseau, CT DEEP Forestry (PDF)
- “The Economic Impact of Invasive Species” By Jean Laughman (PDF)
- “Ecological Impacts from Invasive Species” By Charlotte Pyle, USDA NRCS (PDF)
- Resources for Economic Impact of Invasive Species
- “A List of Common Insects and Diseases of Forest Trees of Connecticut“: CT DEEP Forestry (PDF)
- “CT Forest Health”: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Northeastern Area
4. FOREST MANAGEMENT
- An Introduction to Silviculture-By Thomas E Worthley (2018) (PDF)
- Forest Regeneration Handbook (PDF)
5. TREE AND SHRUB IDENTIFICATION
- “A_List_of_Common_Forest_Trees_and_Shrubs_in_Connecticut” (PDF)
- “Tree ID“ by Chris Fagan, CT Agricultural Experiment Station (PDF)
- Intro to Tree ID“ by Rob Rocks, CT DEEP Forestry (PDF)
- Connecticut Trees and Shrubs http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/data_results.cfm?state=CT
6. TREE MEASUREMENT
- How to Use a Biltmore Stick (Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myh-DuR-48g Models how to measure tree diameter and merchantable height, and estimate board-foot volume.
- Clinometer Directions (PDF)
- “Measuring Your Forests”: UConn Cooperative Extension System (PDF)
- “Instructions for Using Tree Scale Sticks”: ECFLA (PDF)
- “Woodland Owner Notes: Estimating the Volume of a Standing Tree Using a Scale Stick: NCSU Cooperative Extension (PDF)
- Mock Timber Sale (PDF)
7. BENEFITS FORESTS PROVIDE
- The Benefits and Applications of Integrating Trees into Northeast Agriculture By Joseph Orefice, PhD (PDF)
- Forest Products (PDF)
- “Products Made From Wood” (PDF)
8. FORESTERS; FORESTRY EQUIPMENT; LANDOWNER RESOURCES
- Foresters Tools (PDF)
- Logging Equipment (PDF)
- “Understanding Connecticut Woodland Owners: A Report on the Attitudes, Values and Challenges of Connecticut’s Family Woodland Owners” (PDF)
- “Ever Thought of Selling your Timber: The How and Why of Timber Sales”— UCONN Cooperative Extension System and CT DEEP Forestry Division (PDF)