Big Tree Hugs

In case you haven't noticed, Ohio is full of trees, or at least it was. Historically vast portions of Ohio were wooded and big- very big trees- were the norm. Now it is a big deal to see an ancient tree. In fact "old growth" forests like Dysart Woods and Johnson Woods are cherished relics from our past.

Ashland County has a few goodies in the tree department as well. A complete data base of Ohio's Big Tree program is available on the Ohio Division of Forestry's website. As a young forester, Brian Riley traveled throughout our state updating this information a few years ago. If you are interested in seeing some of these beautiful trees that have withstood the test of time, the information on species and location is readily available- just click on the Big Tree link above.

Photo by Su Snyder

Gary Cowell, Jr. hugs Ohio's second largest Green Ash tree on a recent Greater Mohican Audubon Society Bird Walk at Byers Woods. Check out our GMAS website for the walk schedules, and you will find we look at more than just birds. Join us on a trip to Secrest Arboretum (home of Ohio's Giant Dogwood, Cornus controversa) or our annual spring visit to Fowler Woods (home of Ohio's largest Black Ash, Fraxinus nigra.)

For more fun, click on the GMAS Facebook link in the sidebar of this page, and become a "fan" of GMAS. You'll also find a fun photo of the group gathered at the base of this Green Ash at Byers Woods.

Buy a gift membership for a friend and soon you'll be saying, "GMAS is good birding and a whole lot more!"