Greenwood in Fall

Greenwood Conservancy is an expanse of hardwood forest that includes some of the largest and oldest trees in the state. The land was previously the property of the Madison family, who have owned this area of the state since Colonial times. Thomas Madison deeded the land to Greenwood Conservancy in 1990, in the hopes of preserving this rare and precious resource for future generations. Thanks to his generous gift, we can protect a portion of this states natural heritage from the ravages of development. The Greenwood Conservancy is designated as an old growth forest. Old growth forests are characterized by many large live trees, large dead trees (sometimes called snags), mixed-age stands, minimal signs of human disruption, a multi-layered canopy that includes open areas where large trees have come down, a characteristic topography consisting of pits where tree roots have come up out of the ground and mounds of organic matter, and a rich ground layer composed of decaying wood and leaves. At no time of the year is the diversity of species as apparent as in fall. The Conservancy becomes a crazy quilt of breathtaking hues: The bright yellows of aspen and birch, the molten oranges of sugar maple, the flaming reds of scarlet oaks and red maples, the bronzes of many species of oaks and laurel, and the vibrant red-black of sweet gums punctuated by vivid greens of pines and firs create a living tapestry that blankets the Conservancys rolling hills. Fall is the final shout of joy before the forest quiets down into its long winter sleep.