Forest
The survival of wilderness – of places that we do not change, where we allow the existence of creatures we perceive as dangerous – is necessary. Our sanity probably requires it. Whether we go to those places or not, we need to know that they exist. These places function, I think, whether we intend them to or not, a sacred groves – places we respect and leave alone, not because we understand well what goes on there, but because we do not.
The forests of Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary are home to endless flora and fauna. Our 600 acre forest is protected by ACT 250 regulations and lies within an 82,000 acre contiguous forest block, adjacent to the 26,000 acre Groton State Forest. With over ten miles of interpretive trails through the forest habitat, visitors can directly connect with the inspiration and education that nature offers.
Our forests are comprised of a variety of unique forest ecosystems including Northern Hardwood forest, Montane Spruce-Fir forest, Red Spruce Northern Hardwood forest, and rare Northern White Cedar seepage forest. Tree species found at Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary include
- Sugar Maple
- Yellow Birch
- Beech
- Red Spruce
- Striped Maple
- Hobblebush
- Balsam Fir
- Red Maple
- Paper Birch
- Pin Cherry
- Black Cherry
- White Ash
- Elderberry
- Mountain Maple
- Beaked Hazelnut
- Northern White Cedar
- Balsam Poplar
- Trembling Aspen
- Red Osier Dogwood
- Willow
- White Spruce
In addition to tree species, the forest boasts over 250 documented plant species and is home to dozens of mammal, bird, and amphibian species.