Harmony Hardwoods: Ecological impact of old growth forests

PESHTIGO – The volunteers of Northern Lights Master Gardeners Association, Inc. (NLMGAI) have dedicated decades to turning the Harmony Arboretum and Demonstration Gardens into a community asset. However, one of the most ecologically important aspects of Harmony has been in development for hundreds of years.

The Harmony Hardwoods Memorial Forest is amongst the last remaining old growth forests in the United States. Despite the Peshtigo Fire of 1871, some acreage of the forest remained untouched. This has allowed for current generations to see some of the last old growth forests that contain trees over 100 years old.

“Much of Marinette County and northern Wisconsin were covered with old growth forests, but intensive clearing of forests and logging have eliminated almost all old growth forests,” explained retired Professor of Biological Sciences, Emeritus, of UW-Green Bay Marinette Campus Wendell Johnson.

Long before this, however, the land that became Harmony Hardwoods was covered by glaciers.

“Glaciers came from the north and scoured over the land. The land began to be renewed about 18,000 years ago. Once the glaciers left, the soil, plant and animal biodiversity began to be rebuilt,” Johnson explained. He added that the ancestors of animals now native to Marinette County survived by migrating south until, generations later, they were able to habitat the area.

In more recent years, the old growth was protected from loggers and the surrounding prairie was used to graze cattle. Johnson stated that this had little impact on the trees that are hundreds of years old, allowing the Harmony Hardwoods to flourish.

“Many of the large tree species, such as sugar maple, white pine, red oak and white ash are over 100 years old. And still, these are relatively young ‘old’ trees. Some species like white cedar live to be over 1,000 years old,” he said.

NLMGAI encourages visitors to walk amongst the old growth, having collaborated with the The Chappee Rapids Audubon Society to build walking trails and a foot bridge. This trail is a favorite of local birders, wildflower enthusiasts and all those who enjoy being amongst nature.

“A walk on these trails allows visitors to be among this distinct community. The value of this forest is its special biodiversity that includes not only plants, but animals, fungi and other organisms,” Johnson said.

Community members are encouraged to visit these walking trails, along with the rest of the Harmony Arboretum and Demonstration Gardens, during the open house event. The event will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 17.

Harmony Arboretum is located at seven miles west of Marinette on Hwy 64 and then half a mile south on Cty Rd E. More information about the NLMGAI and their upcoming events, including an open house at Harmony Arboretum, can be found on the Northern Lights Master Gardeners Association Volunteers Facebook page.