Forest for the Trees
Myles Standish State Forest is the second largest unbroken stand of pine barrens in the country. Large sections of it have been repeatedly burned since 1900 and the predominant growth for much of the park is a mix of pitch pine and scrub oak which can tolerate the sandy soil and regenerate quickly after fire. Major burns occurred in 1900, 1957 and 1964 causing extensive damage to property. Pine barrens may have developed in response to thousands of years of repeated burning by Native Americans, who started fires to aid hunting. Fires at intervals of 50 years or so are required to maintain the pine barren ecology and controlled burns are now part of the forest management. Where fires have been absent, other pines and maples begin to fill in. Where monoculture plantings were done you can see the effects in two ways: large clear cuts to remove trees and large stands of dead and dying barkless trees.
This relatively short and easy four part multi meanders for a mile through several distinct forest environments, each with it's predominant tree growth, as the trails wander up and over a ridge. See if you notice the changes in species as you walk through the woods. From the parking area, head west on trail 5 to the first stage where you will be directed to the next stage and eventually to the cache. Several other caches are nearby. Mark your car. Enjoy
edexter
Fall is Hunting Season during which you must wear ORANGE: trails are CLOSED on Saturdays and there is NO HUNTING ON SUNDAYS.