Forest Regeneration Information
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Question:  Do you know the stages of forest succession?
Forest succession is the natural process where vegetation establishes and progresses over time.  It frequently occurs following a disturbance whether it be natural such as a wind or fire event, or caused by people, such as a timber harvest. The phases or stages of forest successions are:

1. Nudism - Development of a bare site
2. Migration - Introduction of living regenerative plant material
3. Ecesis - Establishment of vegetative growth
4. Competition - Plant competition for space, light, and nutrients
5. Reaction - Plant community changes that affect the habitat
6. Stabilization - Final development of a climax community

Forest regeneration - the process of renewing tree cover by establishing seedlings and saplings.  It is one of the most basic and important elements of sustainable forest management. Successful and desirable regeneration is vital to forest health and productivity, particularly after a harvest or disturbance event.
Additional Resources:

• Virginia Department of Forestry - Benefits of forest management
• National Park Service - Forest Regeneration
• Cornell Small Farms Program - ​Forest Succession and Management

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​An online guide to the ​natural resources of Windsor Castle Park - Forest Regeneration

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