The Changing Seasons

Wednesday, 12 November 2008 17:46

One of the great things about working in the outdoors is being able to enjoy the change of the seasons. Fall always brings a welcome relief from the heat and humidity and the promise of a stunning show of color as forests prepare for winter.

A common misperception about natural systems is they remain in a static state. In reality, natural systems are in an almost constant state of change. Sometimes these changes are small like a tree falling in the woods. Sometimes the changes are large; just ask anyone impacted by the Southern California wildfires.

The point is change is a natural phenomenon. As participants in the natural system, our actions, when properly managed, can mimic the changes that occur in nature. For example, forests naturally thin themselves over time. In the hardwood forest, this natural thinning could take up to 80 years as trees compete for light, water, and nutrients. By carefully entering a forest stand and harvesting the suppressed trees, we can accelerate its overall growth and health. By embracing the change, we can grow a larger, healthier, stand of trees in the same 80 year period.

We heard a lot about change this fall. Regardless of your political affiliation, remember one thing: Change isn't political. Change is natural.