I had hopes that this sapling near the Laurel Brook was picea rubens, red spruce -- which is native just a bit north of here. Since this is a young one, there are no cones, and its shorter needles might just be due to immaturity. After looking at detail images of the sterigmata and twig ridges, I have to admit this looks like a Norway spruce after all. Less exciting, but still an endearing small tree.