Title: On the Shoulders of Giants

Main Text
A tree is an essential contributor to the life cycle of a forest – not only when it is alive, but even after it has fallen to the ground. Resting upon the forest floor, a tree absorbs rain and holds it like a sponge, whereupon mosses and other plants can colonize. The dead tree, called a nurse log, provides water and nutrients for new growth. Young trees sprout on the log, competing for sun and enough space to grow roots that will eventually anchor in the ground. While supporting the growing trees, the log slowly deteriorates. Many types of fungi, often seen as mushrooms growing out of the wood, help break down the decomposing log. Ants, beetles, and other invertebrates tunnel through the moist wood and feed upon it. The decaying matter enriches the soil by recycling nutrients. A tree constantly contributes to the forest until nothing remains of the tree.

Secondary Text
“Trees receive a most beautiful burial. Nature takes fallen trees gently into her bosom – at rest from storms.” – John Muir

Count the number of trees competing for space on the nurse log behind this sign.

Exhibit Panel Description
The main text stretches across the top third of the exhibit panel against a green background. Below the main text in the center of the panel is a large photo of a fallen tree log with numerous smaller trees, plants, and moss growing out of the top of the log. Arrows mark the different components entering and leaving the log. A yellow arrow in the upper left of the photo labeled “Sunlight” points down at the log. In the center of the log, a curved white arrow labeled “Oxygen” points away from the small plants on top of the log. In the upper right corner of the photo, a white arrow labeled “Carbon Dioxide” goes into the small plants. On the bottom side of the log, a blue arrow labeled “Water and Nutrients” enters the log while a brown arrow labeled “Decaying Matter” leaves the log and enters the ground. On the right side of the exhibit panel, a smaller photo shows a log covered in moss and a scattering of mushrooms. Text next to the photo reads, “Mushrooms and mosses grow on the surface of a nurse log, recycling nutrients and water contained within the decaying wood.” The quote by John Muir is below the photo, in the lower right corner of the photo. In the lower left corner of the photo is the other section of secondary text set into a small grey oval. Above the text is a small graphic of a historic gas lantern lit with a soft yellow light.

Visit This Exhibit Panel
This exhibit panel is located in Longmire along the Trail of the Shadows, a short trail that starts across the street from the National Park Inn. Longmire is open year-round.