Old Growth among Us: A Characterization of Urban Old-Growth Forests in Halifax

Abstract

Currently, there is little research in the field of urban old-growth forests. This study aims to address this issue, furthering our knowledge of urban old-growth in Nova Scotia. The research focuses on identifying similar forest characteristics between forests in Halifax urban core and in the hinterland of Nova Scotia. The field work and data analysis demonstrate that urban and hinterland forests have similar live tree and deadwood characteristics, providing a basis to classify these Halifax urban forests as old growth. This research can be further used to promote visitation to these accessible forest locations, and to manage the sites for old-forest characteristics.