For cedar, immortality is a theoretical possibility. Dead trees give birth to new life. Insect homes, moss, lichens, fungus. Mycelium, the thread-like roots that give rise to mushrooms, run throughout the undisturbed duff and rotting wood. Over 200 species of mushrooms have been identified on Raspberry Island alone.
Many creatures make their home in old growth forests.
Chimney swifts, usually thought of as city birds, abound in the remotest parts of these forests. Standing hollow trees, their original homes, serve the same purpose as chimneys. Bat populations thrive in old growth due to the abundance of natural roosts. Salamanders, red-backed voles, fungus beetles, pileated woodpeckers, winter wrens, red squirrels, foxes, and snails all utilize fallen and standing dead trees for their homes. Tipped-up roots can provide winter dens for bears.