Amazing Diversity

Shady Grove Preserve has 7 different environments.  Each environment has certain species that live over the whole preserve, and some that are only found in that environment.  Currently we have cataloged some 75 types of trees on the Preserve.  We are only beginning to catalog the native plants, but already we have about 50 species.  There are well over 100 types of lichen and fungus photographed, with only a small fraction identified at this time.  See our Fungus Among Us exhibit.

The old growth forest at Shady Grove Preserve is grand and impressive but contrary to popular belief, trees don’t live forever.  Drought, flood, hurricanes, and even old age all take their toll. 

The wood mill at Shady Grove Preserve is an example of how the circle of life can be sustained to the benefit of all.  When trees die at Shady Grove Preserve, we harvest them and cut them into lumber. 

Our barns are built from our own beetle-kill and drought-kill Pine.  Our hard woods are used by skilled craftsmen and craftswomen to build musical instruments and fine furniture.