Post 3

The fence you see is an exclosure designed to keep out white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Installed in 2001 with a research grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, students and faculty use the exclosure to study effects of browsing on forest regrowth. Over-abundant deer can consume all tree seedlings in an area. Fencing like this allows passage of small animals but protects young trees and shrubs from deer until they grow above the browse line. Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra) saplings can be found thriving inside this fence. Dealing with the effects of deer damage is a major component of land management in this region today.