Climate Change and My Woods

There is no shortage of data to support the fact that climate change is real and it’s happening now. You can help your woods face the challenges that a changing climate brings by learning how to steward an adaptive and resilient forest.

My Goal is to...

Keep Dead and Down Woody Material

Keeping fallen trees on the forest floor and in streamside areas can slow runoff, filter water, and improve stream habitat for wildlife.

Consider Carbon Credits

Your woods naturally combat climate change by absorbing and storing carbon. The emergence of a carbon market means that there are companies that might pay you for the work your woods do. Explore some of the carbon markets that are available to landowners in your region.

Reduce Stress on My Trees

Climate change adds stress to your forest, so minimizing other sources of stress from pests, vines and diseases can help your woods to be more stable in an unknown future.

Use Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Installing BMPs on your existing trails and woods roads will reduce flooding and erosion during heavy rainstorms and help you preserve access to your woods.

Learn about Phenology

Find out what phenology is all about and how observing seasonal changes helps to track climate change.

Be “Firewise” about Wildfire Safety and Prevention

Check out the resources from Firewise New York that provide information about wildfire safety and prevention.

Understand How My Woods Sequester and Store Carbon

Forests are a big part of the carbon cycle. Trees sequester, or actively absorb, carbon dioxide from the air and then store some of that carbon in their wood. Explore the links below to get a better sense of how carbon moves through the forest and wood products.

Manage My Woods for Carbon Storage

You can manage your property to increase the carbon potential of your woods. A passive approach favors carbon storage in your woods while an active approach prioritizes sequestration.

Observe and Track Nature’s Changes

Pick a plant that interests you and that you can easily observe on your property. Spring is a great time to start because plants change quickly so there’s lots to see. Keep it simple by recording your observations in a notebook or take it to the next level by using prepared datasheets and even uploading your data online to share with scientists.

See How My Woods will Change

Climate change affects different trees in different ways. Use the tools below to learn which trees on your property are predicted to do well, poorly, or stay the same in the face of climate change. Then step back and envision your future woods and consider how to best prepare for it.

Assess My Woods for Climate Resilience

Dig a little deeper into woodland health to discover how resilient your woods may be in the face of our changing climate.

Understand Your Risk of Wildfire

View the maps of New York State and the US below to better understand your risk of wildfire.

Prepare for More Severe Weather

Rain storms are getting heavier and more frequent, which can mean more flooding and damage to streams. At the same time, our summers are getting warmer and drier, which can cause periods of drought and stress on trees and stream ecosystems. Explore these resources to help prepare your property for this increase in severe weather.

Learn about Climate Change in the Northeast

Get an overview of climate change impacts in the Northeast, including effects on the woods in our region.