A mast tree is any tree that produces major crops of food for wildlife or human foragers by virtue of periodic booms in seed production.
One great example is oak trees, which in some years produce a staggering quantity of highly nutritious nuts that can be stored by animals long into winter. While in other years they produce almost no acorns in comparison.
These periodic booms of nutrition in the forest have massive consequences for overall wildlife patterns, and create opportunities for the keen nature lover who wants to benefit from this temporary resource by harvesting wild food.
So here's some of what we'll explore today:
7 common examples of mast trees you might have growing near you
Why mast trees have bumper crops (and how to observe the signs of a mast year)
How mast tree cycles affect local wildlife populations and what this tells you about animals like squirrels, deer, mice, etc.
Using the patterns of mast trees to understand deeper connections in your local ecosystem.
How to harvest from mast trees for your own wild food foraging.
And lots more!
It's fascinating stuff, so check out the full article if you want to know more!
Quick Guide To Mast Trees: Magic of Bumper Crops, 7 Examples & Implications For Wildlife
Enjoy!
Brian Mertins
PS: Whenever you're ready... Here are 4 other ways I can help you go deeper and really integrate these nature awareness skills in your life:
1. Ask me your Questions About Nature and Awareness Skills Training
I love knowing all your biggest goals & challenges when it comes to exploring plants, trees, birds, wildlife tracking & sensory training for deep nature awareness. Just reply to this message and ask me your biggest questions so I can help you get where you want to go!
2. Check out my Online Nature Courses
I have a growing curriculum of online courses that will walk you through basic & advanced nature connection skills including nature journaling, crow behavior/communication, naturalist studies & bird language - Click Here.
3. Join the Nature Skills Mentoring Community
Every month I get on the phone with passionate nature lovers all around the world to train our skills with nature observation & awareness. If you’d like to work with me on growing your skills as a naturalist, tracker or nature connection mentor… just reply to this message and put “Mentoring” in the subject line and I'll get you all the details.
4. Work with me One-On-One
If you'd like to work directly with me to train your deep nature awareness skills... just reply to this message and put "One-on-One" in the subject line... tell me a little about yourself and what you'd like to work on together, and I'll get you all the details!
Also... Check these out :-)
How To Observe An Ecosystem
How Does Environment Affect Animal Behavior?
How To Read The Secrets Of A Forest
*****************
You're receiving this newsletter because this email address was submitted to an opt-in form on my website. If you no longer wish to hear from me, just click here to unsubscribe
