29 - Young trees

After the Mead Residence Hall was constructed, this area was newly exposed to more sun. For a few years, trilliums grew here, a plant not seen at Kemp for a couple decades. Today we find young conifers -- balsam fir and white pine -- in this spot, again, taking advantage of the sunlight.

The age of a conifer can be estimated by counting the number of "whorls." A whorl is where multiple branches grow out from the main stem. Each year of growth on the main stem ends with a new whorl. You will notice that the length of the main stem between whorls varies from year to year, as various factors will affect each year's growth. See if you can estimate the age of the young conifers at this stop.

29N 45° 50.325'W 89° 40.678'