Paper Birch is also known as Canoe Birch, for Native Americans would use the bark for canoe building. The papurifera portion of the name refers to the paper bearing bark.

As children we are taught to not peel the bark from the trees as they protect the soft pulp inside. As adults we find uses for the trees that never entered our mind as children.

Harvesting the bark of fallen paper Birch has become a fall tradition for many who heat with a wood stove. It makes for excellent kindling.

I took this photograph especially for the bark show as I was out harvesting my yearly supply of downed bark.