LETTER: The Other Beech Grove

To the editor,

Anyone who has parked in the gravel lot across from the Narragansett Town Beach has noticed the grove of large European Beech trees on its northeast side. 

Guided walks sponsored by the Friends of Canonchet Farm leave from this spot. As the name suggests, this is not a tree native to the United States.

Single specimens occur throughout Narragansett.  Under appropriate conditions beeches grow in groves. New trees sprout from the roots of “mother” trees.  In their early years, until the new trees reach the canopy of the forest, the mother tree feeds them. As the mother tree ages and her vibrancy begins to wane, this process is reversed and the “babies” support the “mother.”  Although Beech nuts are abundant, seldom do beeches grow from seed.

Last fall, Thomas Fortier, the president of the Friends of Canonchet Farm, led a walk to the “Other Beech Grove” that he had discovered.  It was far into the woods.  This one was not a European Beech grove, but a native, American Beech grove. 

On this walk and subsequent explorations, a second American Beech grove was discovered, as well as two single American Beech saplings.  Some nut gathering animal probably lost the seeds which then sprouted independently on the forest floor where there was just enough sunlight to allow them to grow. 

Conditions are critical for the growth of a grove.  The area beneath the trees must be soft and spongy so that new trees can push up through the soil from the roots.  The nuts from the tree produce this very condition as they fall and begin decomposing creating a “mast.”

Soil conditions must also be constantly cool and moist but never saturated.   These conditions only happen with the buildup of leaf litter and increasing shade of a maturing woods.   Excessive human traffic and vehicles around a beech tree would compact the soil and make it impossible for new growth to occur.

The forest at Canonchet Farm is full of invasive species, some of which are seriously threatening the health of the forest.  Some, like the English Oak, are invasives that we enjoy. 

The Friends of Canonchet Farm is excited to find specimens of this truly American species taking hold and if all goes well, they could establish two more American Beech groves.  As the “Farm” is used in new ways, it will become increasingly important to manage its development in ways that assure protection of these and many other natural features found at Canonchet Farm.

We currently know of no other American Beeches in Narragansett.  If you have one on your property, please let us know by calling 783-3951 or e-mailing us at Friendscanonchet@aol.com.

Kathie Kelleher, Secretary

Friends of Canonchet Farm