Enhancing Winter Wildlife Viewing :
The Ecological Benefits of Snags and Logs
By Sam Hunter , Natural Resource Manager
As Winter descends across the state , the seemingly silent and still woods at Lake Linganore come alive with activity from various critters that remain active throughout the winter months . An integral part of our ecosystems here at Lake Linganore is the presence of snags ( standing dead trees ) and logs , which play a particularly vital role in winter . It does not take long to walk down a trail in Lake Linganore and find these remnants of once towering trees , but they provide far more than meets the eye . While they may appear to be a shell of the tree they once were , snags and logs are crucial in supporting Maryland ’ s wildlife and offer unique opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to witness small wonders of nature . As you explore Lake Linganore this season , look for wildlife that may be utilizing these decaying trees for food and shelter and consider some of the benefits that they bring to our community .
Habitat and Shelter As temperatures drop and there is the possibility of a snow-covered landscape , snags and logs become crucial sources of refuge for wildlife . Birds such as owls and woodpeckers seek out shelter in tree cavities within snags to roost during cold winter nights , while small mammals like squirrels and bats take shelter in the cozy nooks of decaying wood in logs and perches of snags . These decaying pieces of wood also provide essential microhabitats for specialized species like certain beetles , spiders , and fungi that increase resilience of the ecosystems within our community and throughout the state . You may also see birds of prey perched atop snags during the day , as there are less branches and twigs to impair their sightline during a hunt .
Biodiversity Snags and logs in our forests enhance biodiversity by creating niches for a variety of organisms like insects , fungi , and bacteria that thrive on decaying wood . This process contributes to nutrient recycling in forests within Lake Linganore , attracting species of birds and mammals that come to snack on the insects and fungi . This process forms a web of interactions that strengthens the health of our ecosystems both locally and throughout Maryland . Additionally , some fungi add vibrant colors on such snags and logs and can brighten up the winter landscape , like the oranges and yellows of Jelly Fungi and blues and greens of different Lichens .
Nutrient Recycling and Erosion Control As snags and logs decompose , they release essential nutrients back into the soil , playing a vital role in nutrient cycling and increasing fertility in the soil within our communities . More fertile soils support and encourage the growth of diverse plant species which further promotes resilience and diversity within our ecosystems .
Snags and logs also play a vital role in erosion control , something that we are constantly working on here in Lake Linganore . Fallen logs serve as natural barriers to control erosion along waterways by slowing down the flow of water and stabilizing streambanks . They also help to maintain water quality and prevent sedimentation which improves the aquatic habitats of our fish and amphibians within our communities ’ lakes and streams , and downstream communities as well .
The benefits to snags and logs are far-reaching and multifaceted . As the mature forests throughout Lake Linganore continue to age and undergo a successional process , take the opportunity to explore and observe the wildlife benefitting from these elements long after their prime . On the next quiet and crisp winter day , venture out and see if you find a woodpecker exploring a snag , a colorful fungi poking out of the winter landscape , or a squirrel finding a warm hiding spot inside of a log- you never know what you might see in our diverse woods ! Also , remember to call the Lake Linganore office if you find a snag on Lake Linganore property that is potentially dangerous to yourself or your property . Snags in open wooded lots are beneficial , but if they are a potential danger to a tot-lot or your personal property ( such as a fence ), contact the office and the natural resources manager or a member of maintenance staff will come assess . __________________________
14 LakeTalk February 2024