In this Field Note, I will discuss some of the most prominent environmental features that Galicia has to offer, namely its mountainous terrain, its meadows and its dense forests. Most parts of Galicia receive at least 30 inches of rain every year, which more than almost any other part of Spain except for the north coast and the Pyrenees. Due to the amount of rain and more mild temperatures, Galicia is one of the greenest parts of Spain, especially compared to the central and southern parts of the country.
Many of the trees in Galician forests are chestnut trees, oak trees or evergreen trees (like pine trees). Due to Galicia's temperate climate, not as many of the trees lose their leaves in winter, and there are more evergreen trees here than in most parts of the United States. One problem the region has had is the spread of eucalyptus trees, which were introduced in the mid-20th century and have led to more deforestation and wildfires.
When I first came to Galicia, I marveled at how green everything was. I still marvel even two months later because now at the beginning of November, almost every tree is still green. It helps that it's been raining every day!
