What type of long-term damage is being done to the woods by the deer?
Response: Excessive deer browsing is severely limiting the ability of the forest to regenerate naturally and altering the structure and composition of the forest. For example, deer are consuming nearly all of the native oak saplings. As old oak trees age and die, there are few younger trees left to grow and fill in the canopy, and to provide habitat for other animals. Non-native plant species that are not part of the natural deer diet are replacing the native species in the woods. Swarthmore College and the Scott Arboretum have actively engaged in invasive plant remediation, and have planted native species in the Crum Woods. The College has also pursued grants to support the management of the Crum Woods. Unfortunately, the overabundant deer population has impacted these initiatives.
