The Deep Woods, a nickname given around 1928, is a location that is encapsulated in greenery in the summer and orange bright coloring in the fall. The magnificent canopy provided by the trees allow for great shade and a cooler climate during those hot summer days. The forest has a natural aesthetic with many trees that are over 200 years old. This spot truly is a must see on your next walk through The Arboretum!
The Deep Woods is a natural "beech/maple" forest type which is typical for this part of Licking County. There are many other species also native here including some very tall specimens of oak, including black oak (Quercus velutina) that are approximately 100' tall. These massive trees and their cooling effect are proof that forest stands must be preserved and reforestation of open areas must be increased to aid in today’s climate change.The transition here from a barren winter landscape to a fully alive leaf forest is incredible and timeless.
You will also find our log cabin located within. This cabin is a nice oasis to watch wildlife under the dense awning above. Our founders, Beman and Bertie Dawes, enjoyed using it for such activities during the summer months. Beman hand selected most of the trees for transplanting at Daweswood from the Deep Woods and Bertie kept journals of her bird watching activities by the Log Cabin. It would then also be utilized as a sugar house for maple syrup making by adding ventilation to the roof in 1920. To learn more about the history of maple syrup on our grounds, check out this blog post!