Maryland Envirothon - Roots and Resiliency

A set of flashcards based on key topics from the Maryland Envirothon lecture notes focusing on climate change and forest stewardship.

What is the overarching theme of the 2025 Maryland Envirothon?

Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change.

What are key ecological benefits provided by forests in the Mid-Atlantic region?

Forests provide benefits such as clear air and water, habitat for fish and wildlife, and outdoor recreational spaces.

How has the average temperature changed in the Mid-Atlantic region since 1901?

The annual average temperature has increased by 1.8 °F since 1901.

What is the significance of streamside forests, also known as riparian buffers?

They can reduce nutrient pollution entering waterways by as much as 30 to 90 percent.

What major climate change impacts are projected for the Central Appalachians forests?

Increased temperatures and alterations in species composition due to changing climate conditions.

What role do forests play in stabilizing ecosystems?

Forests act as giant sponges, keeping rivers and streams clean and stabilizing soils to prevent erosion.

Explain the concept of climate change vulnerability assessments (CCVAs).

CCVAs evaluate potential climate change impacts on forest resources and inform adaptation actions.

Define the greenhouse effect.

The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth's atmosphere caused by gases that trap heat.

What is the impact of invasive species on forest health?

Invasive species can lower the quality of food and habitat for wildlife, disrupt ecosystems, and out-compete native species.

How does climate change affect forest insect pests?

Climate change can increase the prevalence and impact of insect pests, potentially leading to more significant tree loss.

What is forest stewardship?

Forest stewardship is the responsible management of forests to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

What are some common tree species found in the Mid-Atlantic forests?

Common tree species include oak, maple, hickory, pine, and cherry.

How do forests contribute to carbon sequestration?

Forests absorb CO$_2$ from the atmosphere and store carbon in biomass and soil.

What is the role of understory plants in forest ecosystems?

Understory plants provide habitat for wildlife, contribute to biodiversity, and can influence soil quality and moisture retention.

How can forest management practices mitigate climate change?

Sustainable forest management can enhance carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase forest resilience.

What are the threats posed by deforestation?

Deforestation leads to habitat loss, reductions in biodiversity, increased carbon emissions, and disruption of water cycles.

What is the importance of native plant species in forest ecosystems?

Native plants support local wildlife, promote ecological balance, and require less maintenance than non-native species.

Define the term 'biodiversity'.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and habitat diversity.

What is a forest’s canopy?

The canopy is the upper layer of a forest formed by the crowns of tall trees, which plays a critical role in photosynthesis and climate control.

What is the impact of climate change on water resources in forest regions?

Climate change can alter precipitation patterns, increase evaporation rates, and lead to more frequent and severe droughts.

Describe the role of mycorrhizal fungi in forests.

Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with tree roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and water absorption.

What practices support the conservation of forest ecosystems?

Conservation practices include reforestation, sustainable logging, invasive species management, and protected areas establishment.

How do forests affect local climates?

Forests can moderate temperatures, regulate hydrological cycles, and influence local wind and precipitation patterns.

What is an ecosystem service provided by forests?

Ecosystem services include clean air and water, pollination, soil fertility, and carbon storage.

What are the indicators of forest health?

Indicators of forest health include biodiversity levels, tree vitality, soil quality, and the presence of invasive species.

Explain the concept of silviculture.

Silviculture is the practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, and quality of forests for management objectives.

What role do forests play in flood prevention?

Forests absorb rainfall, slow runoff, and reduce soil erosion, which helps mitigate flooding.

Define reforestation.

Reforestation is the process of replanting trees in an area where forests have been depleted.

What are some benefits of urban forests?

Urban forests improve air quality, reduce urban heat, enhance aesthetic value, and provide recreational spaces.

Explain how soil health affects forest ecosystems.

Healthy soils provide nutrients, support plant growth, and facilitate water retention, which

What is forest stewardship?

Forest stewardship is the responsible management of forests to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

What are some common tree species found in the Mid-Atlantic forests?

Common tree species include oak, maple, hickory, pine, and cherry.

How do forests contribute to carbon sequestration?

Forests absorb CO$_2$ from the atmosphere and store carbon in biomass and soil.

What is the role of understory plants in forest ecosystems?

Understory plants provide habitat for wildlife, contribute to biodiversity, and can influence soil quality and moisture retention.

How can forest management practices mitigate climate change?

Sustainable forest management can enhance carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase forest resilience.

What are the threats posed by deforestation?

Deforestation leads to habitat loss, reductions in biodiversity, increased carbon emissions, and disruption of water cycles.

What is the importance of native plant species in forest ecosystems?

Native plants support local wildlife, promote ecological balance, and require less maintenance than non-native species.

Define the term 'biodiversity'.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and habitat diversity.

What is a forest’s canopy?

The canopy is the upper layer of a forest formed by the crowns of tall trees, which plays a critical role in photosynthesis and climate control.

What is the impact of climate change on water resources in forest regions?

Climate change can alter precipitation patterns, increase evaporation rates, and lead to more frequent and severe droughts.

Describe the role of mycorrhizal fungi in forests.

Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with tree roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and water absorption.

What practices support the conservation of forest ecosystems?

Conservation practices include reforestation, sustainable logging, invasive species management, and protected areas establishment.

How do forests affect local climates?

Forests can moderate temperatures, regulate hydrological cycles, and influence local wind and precipitation patterns.

What is an ecosystem service provided by forests?

Ecosystem services include clean air and water, pollination, soil fertility, and carbon storage.

What are the indicators of forest health?

Indicators of forest health include biodiversity levels, tree vitality, soil quality, and the presence of invasive species.

Explain the concept of silviculture.

Silviculture is the practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, and quality of forests for management objectives.

What role do forests play in flood prevention?

Forests absorb rainfall, slow runoff, and reduce soil erosion, which helps mitigate flooding.

Define reforestation.

Reforestation is the process of replanting trees in an area where forests have been depleted.

What are some benefits of urban forests?

Urban forests improve air quality, reduce urban heat, enhance aesthetic value, and provide recreational spaces.

Explain how soil health affects forest ecosystems.

Healthy soils provide nutrients, support plant growth, and facilitate water retention.