Second Growth Forest

This forest consists of second growth trees that are one hundred years old or less, with oak and hickory as the dominant types. Before the area was protected in the 1930s, trees were routinely cut for farming, timbering, and making charcoal for the Catoctin Iron Furnace. The resulting bare mountain slopes deposited excess sediment into streams, killing fish and other aquatic life. Reforestation prevents this excess soil erosion and the flooding that follows, while mature trees provide food and shelter for wildlife, protect drinking water, and produce oxygen.

Maryland · United States