Fallen trees and branches—also known as coarse woody debris—play an important role in forest ecosystems. Decaying wood provides habitat for wildlife and insects and recycles nutrients into the soil, helping new plants grow. Old-growth forests typically have more coarse woody debris than other forest types. DEC is partnering with the New York Natural Heritage Program to conduct a five-year study of old-growth forests in New York’s Forest Preserve. In summer 2024, a team of researchers visited old

Ancient hollow tree with moss wrapped roots and fern undergrowth in a living old growth forest, cinematic biodiversity habitat showing decay, shelter, moisture cycles and woodland renewal

When is a forest an old growth forest? There are some qualifiers, Griff Griffith will reveal a few. An old-growth redwood forest is a rare, ancient ecosystem dominated by coast redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens) that have grown for hundreds to thousands of years with minimal industrial disturbance. These forests are defined not just by big trees, but by complex structure: massive trunks, layered canopies, standing dead trees (snags), fallen logs, rich soils, and cool, moist microclimates that

Biodiversity Strategy for 2030