Highest Point in Northampton County PA. Climb #32 of 67 trees on 67 mountains in 67 counties.

Climb #32
Northampton County
Jan 14, 2024
40.884505, -75.26068
Elev: 1695’
Dozens of trees, one single organism.
A grove or stand of Aspen trees are considered one organism. The grove remains connected by a lifeforce underground in the interconnected root system. These roots may lie dormant for years waiting for conditions to be just right. Then new sprouts will penetrate the forest floor and potentially grow into trees. This is what I found at the highest point in Northampton County today. Pennsylvania has 2 species of Aspen; Quaking Aspen and Big Tooth Aspen (as well as a close relative the Cottonwood tree). There is a 100+ acre Quaking Aspen in Utah that is considered the largest living organism on Earth. Today I encountered a large grove of mature Big Tooth Aspen trees. This was a bit of a surprise for me because these trees are known for being a bit more brittle than other trees and more easily damaged by winds (like you find on ridge tops in PA). But there they were, growing tall and proud on the top of Blue Mountain outside of the town of Pen Argyl. I was joined by my friend, and former student, Rudy Kristjanson-Gural. We had a great hike in through part of the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge to the high point. Finding these Aspen trees reminded me that Elk once roamed the forest here. Elk love to feed on Aspen shoots as well as the bark. This would have been prime Elk habitat. Elk were hunted out of this part of Pennsylvania by the early 1800’s and statewide by 1870.

[@Philosoraptorish]

Careful that lightning doesn't get ya - would be awfully sketchy in the highest point in each county. Love the videos Van! PA is really beautiful and you're really showcasing the flora.