It's hard to imagine here in southeast Tennessee today, but 80-90 years ago the hills and mountains were fully logged and mostly devoid of trees.
It's hard to simply visualize let alone scope the environmental damage through erosion and wildlife displacement.
My little corner of forest at my Parents' house has seen so many changes over the past 25 years.
Massive undergrowth of briars, controlled by preteens beating it back and clearing it out to make a "fort". Followed by covering by grapevines after the children grew, and then collapse of the shallow canopy. Deer destroying the lower grapevines followed by slow encroachment of surrounding trees. New rapid tree growth.
And now undergrowth is mostly limited. Trees are mostly taller. Deer and animal paths have altered through the years. A new community trail sits above on the hillside. Parts of the fort remain. I'm sure I altered the ground compaction & top soil personally. And I took over a spring-bed anyway.
It's neat in a quiet way.
In many areas of Tennessee we've reintroduced much of the wildlife - although thriving is another question.
And the forests look beautiful, but are mostly only on their 2nd or 3rd tree replacement cycle.
I wonder how this will continue to change.
I wonder if THIS will feel unnatural in 30 years.