Muskoka’s native coniferous species are an integral part of the region’s forests, part of what makes up the northern flavour cherished by visitors, cottagers and full-time residents. Each of the nine native species, along with several introduced species, such as Norway spruce and Scots pine, is distinctive from in its appearance, habitat preferences and its life cycle. But all are important in the roles they play in the local environment.

Most serve as a food source and shelter for wildlife. Many birds feed on the seeds produced by their cones, as well as using their dense branches for winter cover and a place to nest in the springtime. Red squirrels harvest the cones; mice and voles pick up the fallen seeds around the base of the trees, while porcupines feed on the bark. Besides using them for cover in winter, deer, moose and sometimes grouse browse conifer needles...