MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • February 7, 2021
Downed trees provide many benefits to wildlife of all types, maybe even more than when the tree is standing. First, the fallen tree will provide shelter and food for lots of smaller birds and mammals. The new opening in the canopy will let in light and help new and different species of plants to grow, which adds to the biodiversity. If you are going to have any tree work done, winter is a good time. Getting this done ahead of the nesting season is important, and the frozen ground will be less disturbed by any heavy machinery or falling branches. ~ Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox