Did you know that plants live together in communities? Plant communities are groups of plants sharing a common environment that interact with each other, animal populations, and the physical environment. In the video below, you’ll explore the Woodlands plant community at the Salt Lot.
As with other habitats, woodlands must provide food, water, shelter, and space for wildlife. A woodland is an area that’s covered with trees, usually smaller and more open than a forest. Did you know that the Gowanus Canal used to be surrounded by woodlands? Woodlands are important ecosystems where birds and other animals have shelter in trees and shrubs and feed on berries, seeds, and insects. European settlers removed trees when they made large farms to grow food for a growing population in Brooklyn. When the woodlands were removed, we lost an important ecosystem of plants and animals.
Gowanus Canal Conservancy volunteers steward the woodland at the Salt Lot and other street trees around the Gowanus neighborhood. Many young trees were planted recently in the Gowanus neighborhood to rebuild the “urban forest” that volunteers steward. These young trees need watering and regular care, including removing trash, weeding, and adding mulch and compost. Stewarding our urban forest helps to grow healthy habitat for birds, insects and other animals.
Watch this video to learn more about woodlands, then explore the interactive image and find the different plant, animal, and insect species that live together in the Woodland plant community.
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