Complex Forest Structure for a Healthy Forest
Saturday, September 10
9 AM-12 PM (Arrive at 8:30 to park, get acquainted, and share refreshments)
Clover Hill Tree Farm, 20 Blanchard Rd, South Strafford
Vermont Coverts cooperator Judith Falk and Orange County Forester David Paganelli invite you to their Clover Hill Tree Farm in South Strafford on Saturday September 10, from 9 AM to noon. Andrea Shortsleeve, Private Lands Habitat Biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife, will lead a tour of varied forest structural conditions that create opportunities for pollinators and other wildlife. Judith will talk about her efforts to promote habitat for Monarch butterflies and planting shrub species for pollinators. David will lead a tour of recently implemented forest stand improvement practices and how they are intended to increase the value of the future forest and compliment wildlife habitat efforts.
They actively manage their forest for a range of objectives. Their principal objective is maintenance of a healthy forest with secondary objectives being enhancement of wildlife habitat, water quality, timber value, and recreation. They will attempt to demonstrate how they strive to balance all these objectives for the betterment of their forest and their community.
The program will take place rain or shine and will require some walking. All are welcome. Please bring your curiosity and questions.
- 8:30-9 AM Arrive: park, refreshments, get acquainted
- 9-9:15 AM Welcome and Introductions
- 9:15-10:45 AM Walking tour guided by Andrea Shortsleeve: Mowed open land with apple trees, Unmowed open land with apple trees, early successional habitat with apple trees and oak trees, Wetlands, Pollinator plantings and Monarch butterflies (Judith Falk), Young forest with Legacy trees, Mature forest.
- 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM Walking tour guided by David Paganelli: Early thinnings, Girdling of “wolf trees”, Pruning in hardwoods, Species selection, Quality enhancement, Structure and regeneration considerations, Invasive plant treatments, Planting trees for wildlife, timber and assisted migration, Access development, Discussion of characteristics that lead to financial value in hardwoods and why that matters.
Directions:
- From I-89, Exit 2 in Sharon: North on Route 132 toward South Strafford for 4.7 miles to Blanchard Road on the left. Then, a quarter mile to the Tree Farm sign and gate. Follow signs to the top of the hill.
- From South Strafford village: South at Barrett Memorial Hall toward Sharon on Route 132 for 1.5 miles to Blanchard Road on the right. Then, a quarter mile to the Tree Farm sign. Follow signs to the top of the hill.