Breathing Exercise: The 4-7-8 technique
- Empty the lungs of air.
- Breathe in quietly through the nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold the breath for a count of 7 seconds.
- Exhale forcefully through the mouth, pursing the lips, and making a “whoosh” sound for 8 seconds.
- Repeat the cycle up to 4 times.
Death Equals Life
Felling a tree, whether planned or haphazard, alters a wildlife habitat positively. Some people believe leaving dead trees in the forest to rot is a waste of resources. However, dead trees offer both shelter and food to many wildlife species. Dead limbs and trees are a natural and desirable part of wildlife habitat. The existence of numerous species depends on the presence of dead trees.
Benefits of Decomposing Logs and Limbs:
- As the tree decomposes, nutrients are recycled into the soil and a microhabitat favorable for the growth of new tree seedlings is often created.
- The accumulation of organic material, including damp, rotting wood and leaves, favorably affects mushroom populations.
- Insects, salamanders, snakes, mice, and shrews utilize rotting logs for shelter.
- Snakes use logs for shelter and food-seeking activity. Some species, such as the eastern garter snake and the eastern worm snake, hibernate in rotting wood.
Fun Fact: There are 2 different types of dead trees
- Snags: Standing dead trees still rooted in the ground
- Logs: Fallen trees that are detached from the ground
For information and activities on the benefits of rotting logs, visit the Life from Death Learning Hot Spot in front of the Longleaf Event Center.
“This Look & Learn content is part of a 2025 Girl Scout Gold Award project by Sarah Sloughfy.”