Tree Stumps in The Forest – More Than Meets The Eye
Tree Stumps Are Actually Quite Fascinating! Bring your nature journal and find a tree stump to observe. There is an entire world that exists in that one tree stump!
Did you know that tree stumps are more than the stump of cut down tree? They can be a cozy home to many living creatures of the forest from small to medium-sized animals (with their young) to insects and other living organisms.
Another interesting fact about tree stumps is that they may not be dead at all. Their nearby family trees can actually keep them alive through their root systems. Scientists have discovered that stumps are often still alive and have been kept alive by their neighbouring friends and family trees underground sending them water and food .
What to Look for When Observing Your Stump in The Forest
- Does anyone live inside this stump? Is it home to any forest creatures? What evidence is there to make you think so?
- What kind of animal do you think it is?
- Would this make a good home for an animal? Why or why not?
- If you were a forest creature would you live here? If so why? If not why not?
- What other creatures that aren’t animals are living inside of your stump?
- Why do you think they are important? What role do they play in nature?
- Is your stump alive?
- If it is alive what makes you think it’s still alive? What clues are there that show you it’s still living?
- Draw a picture of what you think your tree looked like before it was cut down.
- Draw a picture of the animals cuddled up inside of your stump.
Nature Obser