Reforestation at the LL

Tree Nursery

The tree nursery was created in the spring of 2008 by Jon Rosales and his Once and Future Forest class. In the years since the initial planting, we have seen significant growth in the black locust seedlings now ready to be transplanted into the woodlot area. White pine, burr oak, white ash, and shagbark hickory, all native species, are other species planted in the nursery. They will eventually be used for reforesting the LL and beyond. The nursery will be expanded this spring by adding sugar maple.

Natural Wildlife Corridor

Phase two will be to reforest the area at the bottom of the hill. This project was begun several years ago by Environmental Studies faculty and students. The species planted were native white pine and bur oak, cherry, birch, and tamarack. Eventually this corridor will connect neighboring forests on either side of Route 68, allowing movement of wildlife.

Deer Browsing

Deer will eat just about any species of tree. To prevent deer from eating the new growth we have tried putting trees in tubes that not only protect the tree but encourage faster growth. We have also tried witch hazel with success and, commercial deer repellents.   Having a fenced-in nursery prevents deer from browsing the one to three year-old saplings that will be transplanted as soon as they  reach above weed canopy height. This allows the saplings to grow to an age when they will be more resistant to deer browsing.