Monday, November 29, 2010

Hitchiti Experimental Forest

For our lab on November 11th, we went to Hitchiti Experimental Forest in north Macon. We discussed several aspects of the environment in this area and certain species that have an affect on the ecosystem.



Southern Pine Beetle

The Southern Pine Beetle, or Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, is one of the most detrimental creatures to inhabit pine forests in the southern United States. They wipe out an average of 100 million board feet of sawtimber and 20 million cubic feet of growing stock per year.



Leaf Litter Decomposition

Leaf litter decomposition contributes a large portion of the nutrients necessary for a forest ecosystem. Leaves are broken down into organic materials that enrich the soil for plant growth.

Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger Plant, or Asarum canadense, is native to dense forests in eastern North America. It is known for its foliage and has about fifty different species with this genus.