Shifts in the forest tree community within the boreal-temperate ecotone.

To investigate shifts in recruitment dynamics of an unmanaged mixedwood forest tree community within the boreal-temperate ecotone. To identify how forest composition may shift, we analyzed characteristics of tree reproduction and recruitment across life stages in forest stands, from seeds to mature trees. We quantified the size, species, and abundance of seedlings, saplings, and mature trees, and seed dispersal. We also recorded abiotic plot level characteristics, including ground cover, canopy cover, and occurrence of browsing by herbivores on seedlings and saplings.