Forests

A Diverse Biome

Forests, sometimes called woods, are a crucial part of the monument. It’s right there in the name! Forests are the most common ecosystem at the monument, comprising about 90 percent of the area. The green trees and vegetation in forests perform photosynthesis, a process that allows plants to convert sunlight into energy. The byproducts of photosynthesis - sugar, oxygen, and water - are important building blocks for a variety of other lifeforms, including you!

Although beautiful in every season, the fall forests of KAWW are a jewel of the Eastern Seaboard. Every year, Katahdin Woods and Waters attracts visitors in search of vibrant leaves. Plan your autumn visit to the monument by visiting the fall colors page.

What are Forests?

Forests are environments comprised mostly of trees and brush. Some forests are dominated by conifers, or cone-bearing trees, and some are comprised mostly of deciduous trees, or trees that lose their leaves each fall. Their species-specific makeup changes based on location and other environmental conditions. Forest dynamics are heavily dependent on sunlight, altitude, latitude, and soil makeup. Forests provide shelter and sustenance for a wide variety of plant and animal life.

What’s in a Forest?

Although dominated by trees, forests consist of much more. A key component to most forests is the understory, which includes shorter plants that grow on the forest floor. These plants are usually able to grow in lower light levels, as the taller trees consume direct sun. An example of understory vegetation at the monument is the fern. Ferns grow in areas that receive a lot of moisture, making low areas on the forest floor a perfect habitat. Given their ability to grow in reduced light, ferns do not need to outcompete trees for resources. Learn more about ferns and their importance within the overall monument environment by visiting the ferns page.

In addition to plants, the forest is invaluable to animals. Bugs, birds, bats, mammals, and more use forests as places to hunt, forage, and create homes.

Types of Forest

There are three main types of forest: boreal, temperate, and tropical. Each of these forest systems is different due to varying environmental conditions, such as weather and rainfall. Katahdin Woods and Waters includes both temperate and boreal forests. Learn more about each of the three groups below.

Boreal

Boreal forests are found in northern regions of the planet where temperatures drop below freezing during much of the year. Boreal forests are almost exclusively evergreen trees, such a spruces and firs.

Temperature: long, cold winters with shorter, warm summers
Rainfall: moderate, with lots of snow

Temperate

Temperate forests are in locations that experience all four seasons. The species makeup of these areas varies dramatically depending on location. Temperate forests can be all deciduous, all coniferous, or a mix of both. Due to the cold season, many animals migrate or hibernate during winter.

Temperature: changes for all four seasons, meaning the temperatures in these zones vary.
Rainfall: common and frequent

Tropical

Warm and rainy year-round, tropical forests teem with life. These forests are often located south of the equator, in areas that receive significant rainfall and sunlight. Tropical forests are key environments for migratory birds, who find refuge from cold conditions in their constant warmth. Many of the migratory birds that breed in the monument during the summer will head south to spend the winter in tropical forests.

Temperature: warm to hot
Rainfall: significant rainfall and sustained moisture

Levels to a Forest

Canopy

The topmost layer of a forest, the canopy is made of treetops that reach toward the sky.

Underbrush or Understory

Comprised of plants that grow above the forest floor but below the canopy.

Forest Floor

The base layer of the forest that blankets the soil. Often made up of leaf litter and debris.

Habitat

From massive moose to tiny insects, these forests sustain a variety of life year-round. Hollowed tree cavities are home to birds and small mammals. The canopy level provides protection for bats and birds. The forest floor is home to decomposers, bacteria and fungi that break down nutrients. Detritus, or dead cellular matter, is an excellent food source for a plethora of animals and fungi. Other animals like toads shelter in moist, nutrient- rich soil. Each of these animals relies on the others, who in turn rely on the forest. A stable environment free from human interference allows these natural processes to occur, which creates a healthy ecosystem.

Learn more about how forests act as animal habitats by visiting the United States Forest Service website.

What’s it all For (est)?

The next time you enter a forest, take a deep breath. You may notice a few things – the smell of trees, moisture in the air, and the sound of leaves rustling. How do you play a role in this environment?

Plan your visit to the vast forests of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument by exploring the plan your visit and things to do pages today.