Stop 14 Foresters Trail
The tree in front of you is a white oak. White oak is one of the most widespread and important oaks in Virginia. The largest known white oak in the nation is in Brunswick County, Virginia. White oak can be found in all regions of the commonwealth and can live for hundreds of years. White oak can grow into a large, majestic shade tree and their acorns are a preferred mast for wildlife. Additionally, its lumber is prized for furniture, flooring, and cooperage. Despite its importance, there is concern over declining levels of quality white oak across the landscape. Foresters have an important role in ensuring a sustainable supply of quality white oak.
Silviculture, the art and science of managing forests, provides foresters with tools for ensuring a sustainable supply of white oak, while protecting other aspects of the ecosystem, such as water quality and wildlife. These tools may include increasing white oak regeneration, improving the quality of stems, increasing growth rates, removing undesirable species (such as nonnative invasives), among other practices.
Silviculture is not only practiced in oak forests. Different forest types have unique characteristics that lend themselves to different management strategies and foresters must adapt accordingly. There is no one size fits all prescription in forest management. Through sound, science-based management, foresters can help ensure Virginia’s forests continue to benefit all.