At Over 300 Years Old, Some Of The Oldest Trees Are Found In Maine
By Michelle|Published January 15, 2020
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
In a state with so much history, we really never have a problem finding a subject when we want to take a step into the past. There are haunted hotels, museums full of artifacts, and tons of stories that are passed down from generation to generation. But one of the things we like the most is how much history is found within nature.
To see a great example of this, we’re taking an internet trip to Aroostook County today! That’s where you’ll see one of the best examples of Old Growth Forests.
These forests, which can be found all over the country, are comprised of wooded areas that have been mainly untouched for hundreds and hundreds of year. Part of what keeps them so pristine is the fact that they’re difficult to get to. As a result, they’re able to grow without being disturbed
To see them in person you’ll want to head to Eagle Lake where you’ll find the Eagle Lake Old-Growth Forest Area near the eastern shore. This is opposite the southeast end of Pillsbury Island.
Because the forest is so untouched, it’s easy to imagine that folks hundreds of years ago experienced almost the exact same landscape. In fact, Thoreau canoed across Eagle Lake to get to Pillsbury Island in 1857. These trees have been growing since the 1700s so it’s likely that he saw the exact same ones.
And look beneath the pine trees and you’ll find white birch, northern white cedar, and red spruce trees. You’ll also see sugar maples that are estimated to be about 180 years old!
Even if you don’t live in close proximity to the area, we recommend making the trip north to see it. Being in the area might make you feel as though you’ve taken a voyage out of Maine, but it’s just another example of how varied and diverse our state really is.
To see the Eagle Lake Old-Growth Forest Area the best method is to set your GPS to the Overlook Motel in the town of Eagle Lake. From there you can get directions and find your way. For more information about old-growth forest visit this section of the Maine.gov website where you’ll find tons of interesting information about the state’s growth.
