Woodland May 2026

Areas that have been continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD. These are irreplaceable habitats with unique soil ecologies and rare species.

A woodland is a diverse ecosystem defined by a low density of trees, which allows significant amounts of sunlight to reach the ground. Unlike a dense forest with a closed canopy, a woodland's more open structure fosters a rich understory of shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers. These environments often serve as vital transition zones between different biomes, such as forests and grasslands or even deserts. The Layers of a Woodland woodland

Primarily composed of broadleaf trees that shed their leaves in autumn to survive cold winters. Areas that have been continuously wooded since at

The uppermost layer formed by the branches and leaves of mature trees like oak, maple, and beech. Unlike a dense forest with a closed canopy,