Buds are also a source of food for many birds and other mammals during the late winter months when other food is scarce. W. Harlow 1946. In exploring the forest floor, you will see amongst the leaves the beginning of a tree, a seed. Seeds are protected by the leaves on the forest floor from the drying effect of the winter winds. The seed is the beginning of new life next spring.
Seeds are also an important food source for wildlife and insects during the winter months.
Soil Soil is a necessity for plant life. It provides shelter during the winter months for many insects that play an important role in breaking down the organic matter, such as leaves and decaying logs, and turns the organic matter into essential minerals and nutrients for plant growth in the spring. Wildlife Many wildlife species have adapted to living in winter environments. For example, the Ruffed Grouse develops comb-like growths on the sides of it toes to help it walk on top of the snow during the winter. Other species, such as snakes or bears, hibernate during the winter months.