Salt Springs State Park: Old-Growth Forest Ecosystem

A set of concise, Q&A style flashcards covering the major concepts from Salt Springs State Park’s old-growth forest notes.

What makes Salt Springs State Park unique in Pennsylvania’s park management?

It is run by a private non-profit organization, the Friends of Salt Springs State Park.

What natural feature gives Salt Springs its name?

The salty waters of the springs on the property.

What historical development led to the preservation of much of the surrounding uncut forest at Salt Springs?

The salt spring became a recreational and tourist destination in the early 1800s, which helped preserve the remaining forest along Fall Creek.

What trees dominate Salt Springs’ old-growth groves, and how old can they be?

Eastern Hemlock; some trees are older than 500 years.

How much of original old-growth forest remains in the United States according to Figure 1?

Only a small percentage of original old-growth forest remains.

What is the climax community in the Salt Springs area?

A Beech-Birch-Maple-Hemlock forest.

What are the key indicators of an old-growth forest?

Big trees and a mixed age structure (range of sizes and ages).

Why is mixed-age structure important in old-growth forests?

Gaps created by falling canopy trees allow younger trees to establish in the understory, maintaining age diversity.

What are snags and why are they valuable?

Snags are large dead standing trees; they provide habitat for fungi, insects, woodpeckers, and hollows used by other animals.

What did Aldo Leopold say about dead trees?

“Dead trees are transmuted into living animals.”

What ecological role do fallen logs play in old-growth forests?

They provide homes for wildlife and create diverse microhabitats and nutrient-rich conditions.

What is pit and mound topography?

A landscape feature where uprooted trees leave a dry mound and a wetter hollow, creating different habitats.

What is coarse woody debris and why is it important?

Large fallen branches/logs in various decay stages that support habitat diversity and nutrient cycling.

Name three ecosystem services provided by old-growth forests.

Carbon storage, climate regulation, and water regulation (among others like water purification, air quality improvement, and soil formation).

How do old-growth forests contribute to carbon storage?

Old trees absorb and store large amounts of carbon, helping mitigate climate change.

How do old-growth forests influence climate regulation?

They help maintain local and regional humidity and stabilize temperatures.

How do old-growth forests affect water regulation?

Forest canopies slow rainfall impact, reducing erosion, flooding, and helping stabilize stream flows.

What is Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and why is it a concern?

An aphid-like insect introduced from Japan around 1951 that attacks Eastern Hemlock, killing trees and potentially altering forest structure.

From where and when was the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid introduced?

Japan, around 1951.

What is the typical death time frame for a hemlock infested by the adelgid?

Infested trees may die within 4–10 years.

What is a climax forest?

A stable and mature forest ecosystem that has reached a balance, supporting a diverse range of species and characteristics over time.

What is an old growth forest?

A forest that has developed over a long period without significant disturbance, characterized by large, mature trees, complex structures, and rich biodiversity.

What is a mixed-age structure?

A forest composition that includes trees of varying ages and sizes, promoting biodiversity and ecological stability.