Nature’s Nursery
When an old tree falls in the forest, its story continues. Known as a nurse log, this fallen giant nourishes the earth and provides a foundation for new life. As it slowly decays on the forest floor, the log accumulates organic material, stores water, and released nutrients into the soil below.
Look closer and you’ll find this fallen giant busting with hidden life. This log also provides the perfect foundation for seedlings to take root, offering consistent moisture and protection from disease. These silent heroes of the forest quietly sustain the next generation, reminding us that in nature nothing is wasted.
Life on the Log | Springbrook Creek Preserve
Examine the log closely. What do you see living here? You’ll likely find mosses, lichens, fungi, ferns, plant seedlings, insects, and other critters. How many different species can you count?
Below you’ll find identification for many of the species found on the log. Keep in mind that what you’ll find changes seasonally and evolves year after year. Thank you to Darren Strenge, the “Moss Boss” at Bloedel Reserve, and Maia Golinska, an 11-year old naturalist, for photographing & identifying these species! Click on each photo to learn more about the species on iNaturalist.
