Allegheny Highlands forests facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allegheny Highlands forests |
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Slide Mountain and surrounding peaks in the Catskill Mountains
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| Ecology | |
| Realm | Nearctic |
| Biome | Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests |
| Borders |
List
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| Bird species | 198 |
| Mammal species | 58 |
| Geography | |
| Area | 116,400 km2 (44,900 sq mi) |
| Country | United States |
| States | Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio |
| Conservation | |
| Habitat loss | 23.3% |
| Protected | 16.9% |
The Allegheny Highlands forests are a special type of forest found in North America. They are known for having a mix of different kinds of trees. These forests are part of what scientists call an "ecoregion." This means it's a large area with similar plants, animals, and climate. The World Wildlife Fund helps us understand these important places.
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Where Are These Forests?
These forests are not just one big area. They are found in four main parts. You can find them in New York State and Pennsylvania. This includes the Catskill Mountains and the Poconos. The beautiful Finger Lakes area is also part of these forests. Another spot is around French Creek.
Some parts are in the northern and central Appalachians. Other sections are in western Pennsylvania and Ohio. Finally, you can find these forests near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Forest Climate
The Allegheny Highlands forests have a humid continental climate. This means they get all four seasons. Summers are usually warm or hot. Winters are cold with snow. This type of weather helps many different plants and animals live here.
Plants and Trees
A long time ago, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many of these forests were cut down. This was for wood and to make space for farms. Even though all the types of trees are still here, there are fewer of them. Also, they are not spread out the same way they used to be. The Finger Lakes area has a very rich mix of trees. The pine forests in the Pocono Mountains are also very special.
Upland Hardwood Trees
These trees grow on higher ground. Common trees include red maple (Acer rubrum). You can also find American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Black cherry (Prunus serotina) and black birch (Betula lenta) are also here.
Allegheny Hardwood Trees
These forests have a lot of black cherry trees. White ash (Fraxinus americana) is also common. Another tall tree here is the tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera).
Mixed-Oak Forests
You will find these trees along rivers and on dry, steep hills. They include northern red oak (Quercus rubra). White oak (Quercus alba) is also present. Eastern black oak (Quercus velutina) and scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) grow here too.
Northern Hardwood Forests
These forests have sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and American beech. Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) is also common. Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) often grows near streams. Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) prefers drier ridges. Other trees include white ash, American elm (Ulmus americana), and basswood (Tilia americana). Hop hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) can be found in some spots.
High Elevation Forests
At very high places, especially in the Catskill Mountains, you find "boreal forests." These are like forests in colder, northern areas. They have balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Mountain ash (Sorbus americana) and red cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) also grow here. Some shrubs like wild raisin (Viburnum cassinoides) and mountain holly (Ilex mucronata) grow in wet, high places.
Forest Animals
The Allegheny Highlands forests are home to many animals. You might see a bobcat or an American black bear. Red foxes and coyotes also live here. Other animals include porcupines and beavers. You might spot a groundhog or a river otter.
There are also raccoons and snapping turtles. Look out for the timber rattlesnake! Smaller animals like muskrats and Virginia opossums are common. You can also find cottontail rabbits and white-tailed deer. Striped skunks, big brown bats, and chipmunks live here. Both gray squirrels and flying squirrels call this forest home.
Forest Birds
Many birds live in these forests. You will hear the American robin and see blue jays. The bright red northern cardinal is also common. Large birds like the bald eagle and red-tailed hawk soar above. Owls like the barred owl and great horned owl hunt at night. Other birds include the northern mockingbird and various woodpeckers. Water birds like mallards, great blue herons, and Canada gooses are found near water. You might also see a kingfisher. Ground birds like the ruffed grouse and wild turkey live here too.
Threats and Protection
These forests face some challenges. In the past, a lot of trees were cut down. Land was also cleared for farms. Today, too many deer eating young plants can change the forest. Also, new homes and tourist spots are being built. This is especially true in the Catskills and Finger Lakes areas. This means less natural space for plants and animals.
Luckily, many areas are protected. In Pennsylvania, these include Allegheny National Forest and Sproul State Forest. Also, Susquehannock State Forest, Cook Forest State Park, Hammersley Wild Area, and Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve are protected. In New York, Allegany State Park and Catskill Park are safe places. Bergen-Byron Swamp and the shores of Hemlock Lake and Canadice Lakes are also protected. These efforts help keep the Allegheny Highlands forests healthy for the future.
