The Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest

Hiking Trails that Provide Surprising Sights in Central Newfoundland

Oct 7, 2008 Stella Walsh

Along with some surprises, The Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest walking trails provide great opportunities to explore the local flora and fauna near Gander, Newfoundland.

This model forest was set up by the Canadian Forest Service on 54 square kilometers of land, located on the Gander International Airport site. It is a living demonstration area to teach people about the boreal forest and management techniques.

In 1992, the Forest was named for Thomas Howe, who was Newfoundland’s first Chief Woods Ranger. Howe, born in Dorset, England in 1860, came to Newfoundland when he was just 17. He served in Forestry for nearly fifty years, trying to increase public awareness of forest management.

The self-guided interpretive trails of the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest have several interesting features, along with a couple of surprising exhibits.

Management of a Boreal Forest

At the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest, a visitor can view actual sites where harvesting has taken place, while following the signs that explain different aspects of forest management. There are also guides who will conduct guided tours, interpreting the site and answering questions.

Trees and Plants of a Boreal Forest

Walking along the well-kept trails, a visitor can view the large variety of old-growth trees that form a canopy against the sky. Looking down, there is another display of smaller plants and bushes covering the forest floor.

Wildlife of Central Newfoundland

Visiting the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest in the early morning or late evening provides the best opportunity for viewing some of the wildlife of Central Newfoundland. There are hares who come out to feed on the grassy areas, often letting the visitor get quite close before they run off.

Around the site, there are some larger examples of wildlife, such as moose. If it is quiet, and the right time of day, visitors sometimes spot one of these majestic animals.

The interpretive trails are a great place for bird watching. There is even a small wetlands area in the middle of the site, which attracts waterfowl such as ducks.

Scenery of Central Newfoundland

The demonstration forest is set in an area that overlooks Gander Lake. There is a viewing platform at the beginning of the trail system, which provides a spectacular view of this large body of water. One of the trails in the system will take visitors down the hillside, to the shores of the lake.

Misery Harbour Movie Set

This model forest has also had some drama. In 1998, a movie cast and crew used part of the Interpretive Site to film scenes for a movie called "Misery Harbour." For the scenes that took place in a logging camp in Newfoundland, they built a replica of a 1915 camp. Some local people were used as extras in the movie. There is an interpretive display marking this site along the trail.

U.S. Army Air Force Bomber Crash Site

There has also been some real life drama in this forest. On December 29, 1943, during WWII, a B-17G bomber was refueling in Gander, en route to England from the U.S. It crashed in what is now part of the Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest. There is even a pile of debris from the crash site very close to one of the walking trails for visitors to view.

The Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest is an educational and interesting place to spend time. A visitor can learn about forest management, as well as some unexpected past events.

While in the Gander area, a visitor can also visit Moor-Crafts and Gifts to sample their unique, homemade bakeapple and partridgeberry fudge. If it is the right time of year, the visitor can also enjoy some Newfoundland and Labrador wild berries.

The copyright of the article The Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest in E Canada Travel is owned by Stella Walsh. Permission to republish The Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.