Downed logs are important components of old-growth forests.  They provide a foothold for a variety of small plants, serve...

Downed log

Carbon River, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Downed logs are important components of old-growth forests.  They provide a foothold for a variety of small plants, serve as nurseries for seedlings that will become the next generation of giant trees, retain moisture and a microclimate needed by amphibians and insects, and they return nutrients to the soil that will benefit other plants.  This log is literally alive with plants and animals on its entire surface. Photo © copyright by Stephen Penland.