In temperate climates, the deciduous plants drop their leaves in the fall, and the point of attachment, called the leaf scar, is sealed with a corky layer to protect it. Above that leaf scar are next year s leaves and flowers. The evergreens, however, keep their needles throughout the winter because they can conserve water in their needles which have a waxy coating to seal in the moisture and shed the weight of the snow. The pine trees have existed since before the dinosaurs and provide important food for the wildlife. Many birds and small mammals feed on the white pine s nutritious seeds.
Larger mammals feed on the foliage and the bark.
These evergreen trees keep their color in our winters. Humans also prepare for winter. We pull out our warm coats and sweaters, put our storm windows up, cut firewood, and winterize our vehicles with new tires and antifreeze. Humans utilize many aspects of nature in our winter rituals. We love Christmas time, with our white pine or spruce Christmas trees and holly and mistletoes decorations.