Saw this in my local town news feed, it was originally published in September, and became instantly fascinated. Never knew such a study existed. I have lived up here in the central Pennsylvania mountains since 2009, but before then have always loved the dense forests vs urban sprawl.
400 years of eastern American forests
I have noticed an increase in non native species overtaking the forests ~ Tree of Paradise mostly. Spindly widely spreading branches crowd out sunlight on the forest floor keeping native species from flourishing, and they are the favorite food source for another non native species ~ Spotted lantern fly.
*note: if you get the subscription page pop up just click the refresh icon and it will revert to the full story... also the page will not open in private browser mode, sorry*
