I visited the Houdek Dunes Natural Area in Leelanau County on Saturday. Spring has yet to really take hold. I saw little new growth anywhere. But that’s not why I went there. Houdek Dunes has a number of amazing birch trees, some of which are over 100 years old – unreal for a birch. For some reason, the birches at Houdek Dunes tend to live much longer than normal. Many of the trees have succumbed to old age and are lying on the ground. Those are the ones I came to see.

As I walk through our forests, more and more I am drawn to the downed trees. The fallen trees often have a sculptural character to them.

Throughout the preserve, decomposing birch trees lie on the ground, slowly merging into the earth. The sapwood and heartwood decay first, leaving the birch’s bark as a hollow witness to a tree that once stood tall.

The decompostion process is hastened by bugs, worms and fungi. I found this fungus on the end of a decaying log worthy of a photograph. I think it is called bitter oyster (panellus stipticus), but I can’t be sure of that. No matter, I found it beautiful.

This old tree is a favorite of mine. Whenever I visit Houdek Dunes, I make sure to pay my respects. How much longer before this tree succumbs to old age and begins the process of becoming soil?

You can see photos from my previous visits to Houdek Dunes here and here.