The wind that whipped through here at the end of the week toppled the top of an alder. I didn’t notice it until this afternoon when I went into the woods. Alder trees are known as widow makers as they can rot inside and then fall or snap without warning.

They have many good qualities. They grow very fast, fix nitrogen into the soil, and decompose quickly, making good soil. I like to use the fallen branches and logs to line the trails.