Neutral soils, rock outcrops and high ledges, open meadows and dense tree and ground cover, numerous wetlands and vernal pools, makes Mount Tom prime habitat for a diversity of plants and animals. The Trout Lily shown here, is an example of perennials that blossom in early spring. In contrast are old growth trees, one if which was the largest Hemlock in New England until high winds and interior decay led to its fall. A three-plus foot wide slice taken from twenty-plus feet up the tree’s trunk is on exhibit in the Nature Center. Animals include: Bear, deer, coyote, fox, fisher, porcupine, mink, otter, and beaver. An extensive list of birds include hawks, falcons, vultures, owls, and the highly intelligent Common Raven. Aquatics and Amphibians include an extensive list, including fish, turtles, snakes, salamanders, frogs, and toads. Unique to healthy soils worldwide are full of fungi that propagate numbers unusually shaped and colorful mushrooms.
Photo courtesy of a friend of the Mt. Tom Range.