Fallen trees and decaying stumps lie on the forest floor in the midst of their thriving offspring. Much like beloved elders gone before, the trees on the ground have given up active living, but are still very much present in other ways. Known as nurse logs or stumps, the chief function of the tree has shifted from photosynthesis, transpiration, and reproduction to more of a supporting role for the health of the forest. After falling, the trees provide nourishment and stability for the forest life that remains and, in some ways, support more life in death than they did while alive. Interestingly, as the once magnificent tree melds into the folds of the forest floor, it is dependent on a plethora of natural conditions in order to give back to the forest community in such a unique way.

To explore a real nurse log and the conditions supporting it, Seattle artist Mark Dion was commissioned by Seattle Art Museum to create an unusual forest exhibit right in downtown Seattle at the Olympic Sculpture Park. Entitled Neukom Vivarium, the exhibit features a 60-foot fallen hemlock tree taken from its natural forest setting and placed in a specialized greenhouse environment that is carefully monitored. Visitors can observe the workings of a nurse log and ponder the unique conditions that enable it to support bacteria, lichen, moss, fungi, plants, and insects within its decaying frame. The installation fuses art and science as it invites us to ponder not only the complex systems, processes, and cycles found in our beautiful forests, but to enjoy nature’s architecture as art.

The next time you enter one of the forests rimming the Salish Sea, remember you are in a living gallery with “works” that are ancient and constantly changing. Watch for fallen “elders” and find delight in observing the abundant life they nurture and sustain as one life gives way to others.