Beech, Bears & a Changing Forest
Beech, Bears & a Changing Forest
September 23 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Winhall Town Forest
The black bear population is rising across the state – perhaps even in your own back yard! At the same time, increasing numbers of beech trees in Vermont are afflicted with beech leaf disease (BLD), caused by an introduced leaf-gall nematode. Beech nuts are an important food source for bear, deer, turkey, and more, so many are asking: how will a decline in beech trees impact bear and other wildlife in our state?
If you too are curious, join FPR protection forester Lars Lund, F&W bear biologist Nicole Dickan, and county forester Tessa McGann to discuss bear, beech, and BLD. We will walk in the Winhall Town Forest on Kendall Farm Road and see examples of beech leaf disease in a beech stand frequented by bear. We will discuss trends in the bear population and BLD and interactions between the two, including reasons for hope and what you can do to support forest & wildlife resilience in our state.
Please register in advance for information about meeting location and possible rain date.
This walk is free and open to all, but may involve walking on short sections of moderately steep forest trails.