In a 5-year study, scientists are searching for undetected old-growth in New York’s Forest Preserve.

It is hard not to feel humbled in the presence of old-growth trees; they are indeed majestic! But old-growth forests are so much more than their old trees: they are dynamic and complex living networks full of plants and animals that go through their own cycles of change and renewal while the forest as a whole hums along, ready to face the challenges of new millennia. I often think of them as our elders: they hold the secret to resilience and perseverance; they are keepers of our collective past in their carbon records; and they also know the answers to questions we haven’t asked yet. New York State is thought to have the most old-growth forests in the Northeast today. Nevertheless, these forests are considered remnant ecosystems, existing on a small fraction of their original range in the landscape. In our old-growth study, we examine known old-growth forests in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks to learn about their characteristics. We then combine that information with our knowledge about land use history and forest cover today to predict where and how much of this important ecosystem still exists across the Forest Preserve. We also try to estimate how much carbon these forests store.

Can you spot old-growth?

Use our guide below to learn how.