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. Some tip-ups are over 10 feet in diameter.
Vegetation is often dense and the going is hard.
In many areas this is due to the presence of yew. Canada yew is common, as it once was throughout much of northern Wisconsin. It can grow twelve feet high, with roots so thick they can hold a person's weight a foot off the ground. Slowly, slowly they return To the small woodland let alone Great trees, outspreading and upright Apostles of the living light.