10/07/2026
Can you see the forest layers?
A healthy forest is one with varying layers, easily discernible with just your eyes (although it is harder to see it through a photo!). Layers in a forest are comprised of both tree age groups and diversity of plant species.
Having many different tree ages means the forest is experiencing its natural cycles without humans coming in and clear cutting, or planting many seedlings at one time. The trees take root, grow, die, and fall on their own schedule.
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This age range means that animals that rely on young, mature, or old trees for various but specific needs for things like nesting, shelter, food, and lookouts are all supported.
Having layers of different types of plants is another indicator of a thriving forest. Mosses, herbs, brush, shrubs, and trees all living in the same space and working around, or with, each other. Although varying climate conditions mean not every forest needs to have each layer in order to be healthy, having diversity in our CDF forest is good news.
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We are grateful to operate on the unceded territories of the Stz'uminus, Snuneymuxw, and Snaw-naw-as First Nations and acknowledge their deep, enduring relationships with these lands and forests.
