Identifying trees can be tougher in winter

Saying you can identify a tree by its leaves is like saying you can identify a major league baseball player by his uniform number. It's a completely true statement, but it's a method of identification that's only good some of the time.

Beaver Brook in Hollis teaches tree identification

HOLLIS – On the morning of Jan. 19, a small group met in the barn classroom at Beaver Brook’s Maple Hill property to learn a little bit more about local trees.

Oak trees historically important resource for those who lived below

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow. The words of this 14th century proverb speak of the huge potential in small things. Often referred to as the "king of trees," oaks play a vital ecological role wherever they grow. Acorns feed more than 100 species of wildlife, and the oak's massive frame, huge limbs and lush canopy shelter countless species of birds and mammals.

For the birds: Winged predators seek certain trees when foraging for caterpillars

Location matters for birds on the hunt for caterpillars, according to researchers. Findings suggest that chickadees and others zero in on the type of tree as much as the characteristics of their wriggly prey.

Winged predators seek certain trees when foraging for caterpillars

Location matters for birds on the hunt for caterpillars, according to researchers at UC Irvine and Wesleyan University. Findings suggest that chickadees and others zero in on the type of tree as much as the characteristics of their wriggly prey.