Comments: raymond - 2004-12-23 08:37:45 An animated map depicting Michigan's deforestation would be interesting to see. Blip, blip, blip, away go the trees. Pulp mills popped up at every fast-moving spot along the Huron around here, many in and around Ypsi. I didn't plant nearly enough trees this year. At least we're fostering the growth of many. Some twigs I planted in pots in Plymouth in the early 80s, nursing them along and hauling them around, now stand tall and stately in the snow. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-12-23 10:53:34 The pages I read last night said, surprisingly, that half of Michigan's forests remain from pre-settlement days (much of it new growth; the low point was around 1900, when forest started making a long, slow comeback). One wonders why the industry stopped so precipitously. Growing trees is one of the most rewarding things I can think of. I've planted about a dozen trees on my tiny lot and grew a maple from a seed when I first moved in, in 2000. It's about 15' now. * * * * * * * * * * * * Dan Arbor - 2004-12-23 11:15:10 I have heard (or read, can't remember which) that Michigan's landscape is radically different from 100-150 years ago. The wide-open spaces and farmland we associate with central and southeast Michigan were thick forests not so very long ago. The tiny hamlet of Samaria near my home is just a cluster of houses in the middle of sprawling farmlands and open fields. Yet, for many years it was a thriving lumber town. Guess they were pretty good at logging... * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-12-23 11:57:14 Wow--I think it's cool to live near a former lumber town. I know right where Samaria is: just north of my childhood home. I had had no idea the lumbering industry extended that far south in the L.P., and was quite surprised to learn that Samaria was one. You taught me something interesting, Dan; thank you. * * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: your name: your email: your url: back to the entry - Diaryland