Tall Timber Rises Again – Duluth, MN - Exceptional Tree Growth Ring Displays on Waymarking.com

Two examples of tree growth rings are on display at the Duluth Aquarium. The first is entitled “Tall Timber Rises Again.” A sign tells about the history of this yellow birch.

“This tree was already 40 years old when Columbus set sail for America. It was cut down about 1887 and sank in Pike Bay, Wisconsin on the way to the sawmill. Preserved by the cold water of Lake Superior, it was raised in 1999 by the Superior Water-Logged Lumber Company.

“It’s hard to find a tree like this one in today’s forests. Notice the closely-spaced growth rings and how the red heartwood grows almost to the bark layer. This yellow birch grew very slowly under the tall pines. It had to compete for light and nutrients. Outside the rare old-growth forests, today’s growing conditions are completely different.”

The second cross-cut of wood is found at the foot of Smoky Bear. A sign tells about this tree: “Tree rings tell the tale: 176 years, two forest fires. This old fellow, a red pine, miraculously survived two forest fires before it was felled by loggers in 1988. Since it would have taken a few years for the sapling to grow to the height from which this cross section was taken, the tree probably began growing around 1808, making it 180 years old. It grew near Lake Jeannette on the Echo Trail in the Superior National Forest.”

Location Name and/or Address: Duluth Aquarium 353 Harbor Drive Duluth, MN 55802 Tree Species: Yellow Birch and Red Pine Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors Entry Fee or Requirements: Yes Availablility: Has specific hours Website: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visit the location and take a photo of the Tree Growth Rings. If you have more information about the tree or circumstance, please share it in your visit log.

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Date Logged Log User Rating   06/12/2012 lenron visited it