Merriam-Webster defines a nature preserve as an area that is essentially undisturbed by human activity and has naturally developed living communities. For those who enjoy outdoor recreation, the definition varies depending on the intended use and interests. But there is one overarching theme that tends to be present when he is hiking, biking, or simply observing. It means being surrounded by natural elements. Whether we’re traversing a meadow or hiking through a scrub, we all have unique experiences in which our personal definition of nature ebbs and flows depending on the time and place we explore.
I went to the Audubon Nature Preserve in Maine this winter, and there were several times when I was struck by its beauty and awed by the amount of wildlife surrounding it. Unfortunately, there were also some unpleasant moments that brought my mindset back from the exotic woods to reality. In reality, humans are undoubtedly influencing unexplored spaces.
Several trees throughout the Maine Audubon Preserve are bearing the brunt of human impact in the form of tagging and carving. Visitors who add personal touches to trees may be simply trying to leave a piece of themselves behind, but as outdoor enthusiasts we fully understand the impact of our actions. need to do it.
Marking trees is not art. Tagging the bark exposes the tree to powerful chemicals that, when dry, clog the pores. Spray paint can be toxic to certain tree species and clogs the pores in the bark, disrupting the tree’s natural gas exchange. This causes direct harm to the tree and its surrounding environment.
Carving wood creates gaps for bacteria and pests to enter the wood’s tissue. Infection may occur, which will inevitably shorten the lifespan of the tree.
The Maine Audubon Real Estate Office is working to remove tags from trees and is asking visitors to follow seven principles: leave no trace. If you find spray paint while exploring the Maine Audubon Preserve, please report your discovery to the land manager via email. lthibault@maineaudubon.org. The process of removing tags will not remove the tree’s scars, but it will help reopen the pores for future hikers and restore a more natural beauty to the area.
