The Wildlife of the Forests

In this week's episode we travel to Hartwick Pines State Park where I visit with my old friend and former coworker Craig Kasmer, the park's interpreter/naturalist to learn about the wildlife that live in the northern forests. 

The Old Growth Forest at Hartwick Pines State Park is a unique area. The large white pines that survived the lumber era is the main attraction, but they are not the only special part of this forest. The decaying logs and snags (dead standing trees) provide habitat for many species of wildlife. The wildlife in this forest and in other northern forests can vary greatly and are affected by outside forces from climate change to logging, fire, and construction. Craig talks about how the wildlife has been affected by all of these changes. 

Learn more about Hartwick Pines State Park and its programs:

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/v-centers/hartwick

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