The DNR (Department of Natural Resources) of Michigan set aside 49 acres of protected wilderness in the form of Hartwick Pines State Park. This is the largest selection of Old-Growth White Pine left in the lower peninsula. After nearly 10 million acres of pine was decimated in the 1800′s, the Salling, Hanson Logging Company stopped it’s operations in 1893. Most of the forest has been converted to 2nd growth hardwoods, but fortunately some of the giants still remain.
The rest are simply ghosts whispering in the wind…
2nd growth forest with “fetal stage” growth
The ghost of the White Pine!
Kiya investigates some whiteflowers
Hiding in her house.
The Chapel in the Woods.
Remnants of a White Pine, aged at around 300 yrs.
New habitat
Mom at ease.
Mowgli
Local Resident
Exit