akorn-AOurStateOldGrowthNagsHead0616-0037
Red lichen maps smooth areas of bark on an American Holly tree among pines at the Nags Head Ecological Preserve, managed by the Nature Conservancy. Two ancient dune systems shelter about 1100 acres of unlogged maritime forest here, creating a unique ecosystem of hardwood old-growth, freshwater ponds and pine-covered hummocks. It's a remnant of the forests and dunes that once dominated the Outer Banks.