This is a second guest post from Susan, who lives in Massachusetts and cross-country skis in the Granite State - the photos were taken by her husband, Roger. Thanks guys!
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Half of the tall pines on this tiny island are dead, and the remainder are thinning, and top-heavy with pine cones - a signal of their own imminent demise.
Thinning tops mark these white pines, as well as lichen-covered branches.
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Lichen-covered tree trunks are pervasive.
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The inanimate granite rocks and trees share a common friend. How long until this tree joins the ranks of the non-living?
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Here is a lichen-covered, splitting trunk.
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Close views of lichen on bark.
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The presence of lichen is closely associated with decay.
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It is spreading unchecked, consuming entire trees.
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Others are skeletal,
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The inner wood exposed.
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The flaking bark cannot be an indicator of health.
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White birch are particularly affected by peeling bark syndrome, and polypores.
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Finally the birch succumb, but their classic white silhouettes are still beautiful against a blue winter sky.
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This sight is becoming all too common.
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There is a plethora of fallen trees, despite a lack of severe storms this season.
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This tree is sporting a white fungus to match the snow.
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Thinning pines dot the pond's shore.
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Nature is so gorgeous - how can we allow ourselves to destroy it?
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Water breaking over a rock creates a natural ice sculpture. Will my great-grandchildren be treated to seeing this at our New Hampshire camp?
Sad about the white birches! I love those!
ReplyDeleteCarrie Rae Shamel
You realize how agonizingly slow lichens grow?
ReplyDeleteYes, I realize how agonizingly slow lichens are SUPPOSED to grow! So WHY do trees go from being lichen free to completely, and I mean completely, covered in the space of 2 years? Please explain that to me! I would love to know.
ReplyDelete