Contains trees that are at least 100 years old. Some old-growth forests have 1000-year old trees!
Importance in the Web of Life:
Old growth forests support species that can't exist elsewhere, such as spotted owls and marbled murrelets.
Cool Facts:
The Pacific Yew tree, found in Washington's old-growth forests, contains the chemical taxol that is used to treat breast cancer.
Threats:
Ninety percent of Washington's old-growth forests have already been used up. Continued logging-and even tree poaching-threatens those that remain.
Where in Washington Can I See One?
Both the Long Island Cedar Grove or South Nemah Natural Resource Conservation Area in southwestern Washington offer excellent examples of old-growth forests.
What Can I Do to Help?
Take your family to visit an old-growth forest and see how cool it really is.