NDNT: May 10, 2023

Phase 2 of our project is described in the April 25th post below. The new trails are marked with flags, so contractors bidding on the job can see where we want them to establish trails. That work will be under contract within about a week! But the big news is…  

We planted about 40 flowering trees today!

Near the main trailhead (and parking lot) there are several redbuds and dogwoods. Near the bird sanctuary there are a couple hazelnuts. And along the North and East edges of the prairie area there are many more of each (rebud, dogwood, and hazelnut).

The new trees are about 12 inches tall, protected by tubing so the deer don’t eat them. Wherever you see a setup like this, you know a flowering tree has been planted. Shown below is the North section where many were planted together in a group. The white flowering dogwood in the background has some new buddies!

Invasive species control continues. Treatments were applied last week to get things under control. These treatments will continue, eventually making way for another attempt to plant oats as a cover crop. Getting everything under control is a top priority and pre-requisite to planting permanent native grasses and wildflowers.

Tree removals. Storm damaged, deceased, and fallen trees were removed in several places. Many trees were felled to open up our prairie area in the North central and Eastern sections of the property as well. This L shaped area will be our prairie. It’s going to be so beautiful. Currently many of the felled trees are still in place. Another round of clean up is coming soon!

One young New Day Community Church attender got this great picture of a young fawn out on the trails recently. The deer love this space!