Fox Forest in New Hampshire

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!

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.

Lichen-covered tree trunks are pervasive.

The inanimate granite rocks and trees share a common friend. How long until this tree joins the ranks of the non-living?

Here is a lichen-covered, splitting trunk.

Close views of lichen on bark.

The presence of lichen is closely associated with decay.

It is spreading unchecked, consuming entire trees.

Others are skeletal,

The inner wood exposed.

The flaking bark cannot be an indicator of health.

White birch are particularly affected by peeling bark syndrome, and polypores.

Finally the birch succumb, but their classic white silhouettes are still beautiful against a blue winter sky.

This sight is becoming all too common.

There is a plethora of fallen trees, despite a lack of severe storms this season.

This tree is sporting a white fungus to match the snow.

Thinning pines dot the pond's shore.

Nature is so gorgeous - how can we allow ourselves to destroy it?

Water breaking over a rock creates a natural ice sculpture. Will my great-grandchildren be treated to seeing this at our New Hampshire camp?