To identify and learn about common Pennsylvania trees, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' common tree index.

To learn about rare and endangered plants, animals, and habitats in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory, or the Pennsylvania Biological Survey.

Allegheny National Forest:
The land of what we now know as the Allegheny National
Forest was inhabited by Native Americans as far back as 12,000 years ago, after the glaciers moved back. Old growth beech and hemlock once covered the forest, but heavy logging between 1890 and 1930 cleared most of it, leaving only pockets of old growth in places such as Hearts Content. Shade intolerant hardwoods such as black cherry (Prunus serotina) thrived in the environment created by the logging of the early 20th. century. The Forest Service began buying land for the Allegheny in 1923 by edict of the Organic Act of 1897, which created the mission of managing national forests for multiple uses in a sustainable way.

The Allegheny now comprises 513,161 acres in Warren, Elk, Forest, and McKean counties in northern Pennsylvania. The forest is divided into four distinct Management Areas (MAs). Each MA is managed for different future conditions and goals. One of the challenges for tree regeneration is the heavy deer population. Light loving seedlings need openings in the forest created by natural tree mortality or forest management thinning, but heavy deer browsing decreases hardwood regeneration diversity and favors shrubs, ferns, and grasses as succession species. "There are many recreation opportunities
in the Allegheny National Forest. Cross country skiing, horseback riding, hunting, and mountain biking are just a few of the activities one can enjoy. Boating is also available on several reservoirs, rivers, and creeks. There is also an abundance of wildlife in the forest such as whitetail deer and turkeys.

The forest is habitat for endangered species such as the Indiana bat
(Myotis lucifugus). To read more about the Allegheny National Forest please visit their home page.

A GIS is available of the Allegheny that features forest type, hiking trails, water stops, and much more. You must use Internet Explorer and a PC to view this GIS, however.

Stone Valley Experimental Forest:
The Stone Valley Experimental Forest, located in Huntingdon
County, is maintained and owned by The Pennsylvania State University. It comprises around 7,000 acres, including 72 acre Lake Perez (formerly Stone Valley Lake). The lake and surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife, including frogs, beavers, fish, turtles, and deer. Lake Perez is currently drained due to dam repairs, so water recreation is not available until later in 2002. Penn State uses
the Forest for many educational activities, such as surveying and timber cruising for its forestry labs. Xi Sigma Pi has maintained a red pine plantation spacing study area in Stone Valley since the 1930's, studying the effects of different spacing densities on red pine growth.

The Forest hosts many hiking trails and recreational opportunities including boating on the lake. Rowboats, canoes, and paddle boats are available for rent. Sailboats are also available to holders of a valid sailing certificate or license. The lake is home to panfish, stocked trout, rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), and pickeral (Esox spp.). One room cabins are available for rent. They include a refrigerator, electric range, dresser, shower with toilet, and bunk beds. For more information about Stone Valley, visit their home page.

A GIS is available of the Stone Valley, featuring layers of contour lines, roads, lakes, and more...great for planning a hiking trip! You must use Internet Explorer and a PC to view this GIS, however.

Or, take a virtual walking tour of the forest. See pictures and text describing the animals, plants, and features of the area. There is also a walking tour of the woodcock trail in Stone Valley, which highlights wildlife management practices.