Our Adaptive Priorities

Certain species that were intentionally planted in Adapation Forest in the prior century are not well suited for the rapidly changing environment and are already showing signs of stress and disease. The forest includes a 3-acre stand of Norway Spruce and a 2-acre stand of Red Pine that are most threatened and have been recommended for removal and replacement with more resilient species. The forest also contains some white ash, which is threatened due to fungal pathogens and the emerald ash borer. While large amounts of white ash were harvested by the prior owner in last decade, the remaining trees will be monitored and managed. 

Due to its prior clearing for pasture, some invasive species have gained a foothold in parts of Adapation Forest. One these is Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), pictured above, a widely grown ornamental plant with edible berries. In areas where it takes hold, Japanese barberry can outcompete every other plant, leading to declines in species diversity, increased tick habitat and soil changes. Ridding the forest of this invasive is a high priority.

As a second/third growth forest, parts of the property have not been well managed at certain times. After some prior logging, trees in some places have been allowed to grow back in dense clusters, enabling little light to reach the forest floor. This has resulted in some areas with thin, skinny trees that are unable to get enough light to properly grow. This over-competition stresses trees and makes them susceptible to insects and disease. A knock-on effect is a forest floor with little diversity in plants or food for wildlife. An adaptive priority will be to thin overly dense areas and retain more, dead downed wood for soil recovery and wildlife habitat.