Everywhere you turn in the forest you’ll find a little something of interest —especially when hiking alongside a Finch forester.

Forester Erin O’Neill, who holds a dual bachelor’s degree in forest resource management and wildlife biology, snapped these photos showing just some of the variety of plant life and wildlife habitat you’ll find in a managed forest.

This is a standing Shagbark Hickory tree. It will provide habitat for birds and bats under the peeling parts of the bark.  The hickory nut is sweet and provides food for squirrels, chipmunks, black bears, fox, rodents and birds.

This is a Trillium, a spring flowering perennial plant in the lily family that is native to the eastern and northeastern portions of North America.  Trilliums are an indication of a rich soil site.

This white ash seedling is growing naturally in the forest.  White ash is the most common of the ash species and also the most useful. It’s commonly used for baseball bats, boat oars and tool handles.