The Hollow Log Journal
Zoo enrichment insights, wildlife habitat tips, and stories from the field — written by the team at IC WOOD.
17 posts
Who Lives in a Hollow Tree? The Wildlife Science of Tree Cavities
Hollow trees are among the most ecologically productive structures in any forest. Dozens of bird species, hundreds of mammals, and thousands of invertebrate species depend on tree cavities for nesting, denning, and overwintering. Here's what the science says about why — and what it means for the animals in your care.
Stuckie: The Dog Who Climbed Into a Hollow Log and Never Came Out
In 1980, loggers in Georgia discovered a mummified hunting dog preserved inside a hollow chestnut oak — perfectly intact after more than 20 years. The story of Stuckie is the most famous hollow log discovery in American history, and the science behind it is extraordinary.
Sam Gribley's Hollow Hemlock: The Real Science Behind My Side of the Mountain
Jean Craighead George's 1959 novel sent generations of children into the woods looking for a hollow tree to live in. The hollow hemlock Sam Gribley calls home is fictional — but the survival science behind it is completely real.
The Pringle Brothers: Two Men Who Lived Inside a Tree for Two Years
In 1764, John and Samuel Pringle deserted the British Army and disappeared into the West Virginia wilderness. For two years, their home was the hollow interior of a giant sycamore tree. This is the most documented account of humans living inside a hollow log in American history.
Drive-Through Trees, Tunnel Logs, and the Hollow That Captures Every Imagination
The Chandelier Tree, the Wawona Tunnel Tree, the Balch Park sequoia — why do humans travel hundreds of miles to drive a car through a tree? And what does that tell us about the hollow log tunnels now showing up in parks, zoos, and playgrounds everywhere?
What Is a Crawl-Through Log? Everything Buyers Need to Know
Crawl-through logs show up in zoos, schools, playgrounds, and backyards — but what exactly are they, how are they made, and where do you actually buy a real one?
Natural Playground Tunnel Ideas: The Case for Real Wood
Planning a natural playground and considering a tunnel element? Here is why a real hollow log outperforms every other option — and how to choose the right one for your space.
Real Log Tunnels for Playgrounds: What to Know Before You Buy
Not all log tunnels are created equal. Here is what separates a real crawl-through log from a plastic imitation — and why it matters for kids, schools, and parks.
The World's Most Famous Hollow Logs: From Balch Park's Giant Sequoia to Modern Architecture
From a drive-through sequoia in the California mountains to a patented mechanical hollowing process that brings massive natural timber into modern public spaces — the story of the world's most famous hollow logs.