Within Nova Scotia, old-growth forests perform key ecological functions across the Atlantic Forest Region. Despite holding a crucial component within the landscape, old-growth forests have been severely declining due to a combination of both natural and anthropogenic activities such forest fires, invasive species, urbanization, agricultural development, and deforestation. There are 4.2 million hectares of forested land in Nova Scotia. Of this total, 7.6% exists as old growth that is protected by the provincial Old Growth Forest Policy. Because these forests only exist in small remnants, their continued loss would be detrimental. Amongst the several types of old-growth forests, eastern hemlock and red spruce forests account for a large portion. In addition to loss caused by both natural and anthropogenic effects, specific threats posed to old growth eastern hemlock by hemlock woolly adelgid and red spruce by future spruce budworm outbreaks make it especially important to focus research on these two forest types. Because of these risks, this research is essential to generate knowledge of the differences, and similarities between old growth eastern hemlock and old growth red spruce – eastern hemlock stands in relation to their structural characteristics and ecological dynamics. This poster showcases efforts to assess structural and dynamic characteristics of old growth eastern hemlock and old growth red spruce – eastern hemlock forests within Nova Scotia. By understanding these components old growth, the maintenance of such forests will enhance the future development of management protocols to conserve remaining remnants of old growth forests.