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Friday, October 16th, 2026

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Looking closely at the ecology of a rotten log

While we recognize the obvious benefits of living trees as carbon neutralizers, ground stabilizers and meaningful producers of oxygen, shade, fruit, timber, fuel, and habitat, it’s easy to overlook the significant role they play in the years after they perish. (Photo courtesy of Tyler Frantz)

It’s easy to overlook the significant role dead trees play in the years after they perish.
Seldom do we pay much heed to “insignificant” relics of the past such as a rotting log, but when one pauses long enough to take a closer look, a world of new discoveries can be revealed. Recently, the kids and I celebrated the first official day of summer break with a leisurely woods-walk for some good old-fashioned, Ned Smith-style nature snooping.

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