Tree Planting – A Novel Approach in Stewardship
In the realm of stewardship, ensuring the integrity of a property’s conservation values comes with a set of unique challenges. Often, well-intentioned neighbors express concerns with boundary markers, including orange survey paint, “no hunting” purple paint, and “Conservation Area” signs. To some, these markers can be considered unsightly or damaging to trees. While SAHC is sympathetic to these concerns, it is important to have conversations regarding the importance of clear and visible boundary markers to ensure proper defense of natural resources “in perpetuity.” This is a common issue that many land trusts encounter, but it’s a challenge that SAHC is committed to addressing with creativity and resilience.
Clear Marking of Conservation Boundaries are Neccessary
Occasionally, SAHC encounters situations where boundary lines are not respected despite all efforts to notify neighbors and post the boundaries. In an effort to act as a responsible and considerate neighbor, SAHC is committed to exploring alternative solutions to these conflicts prior to involving legal professionals. Recently, SAHC’s stewardship team found themselves in a scenario where a neighboring landowner was mowing a section of protected property as a continuation of their lawn despite requests to stop. While SAHC followed standard protocol by hiring surveyors to confirm the not well-marked boundary, it became clear that the situation required greater attention when monitors discovered that the section continued to be mowed during follow-up monitoring visits.
Since the neighbor was concerned with the visual aesthetic of this portion of property growing ‘wild’ next to their lawn, Stewardship Director Sarah Sheeran saw this as an opportunity to try something new: a natural fence. This particular property sits above 5,000 ft. in elevation and is ideal for Red spruce (Picea rubens).The team planted approximately twenty one- gallon saplings along the boundary and within the interior of the mowed area on SAHC’s property. The stewardship team hopes the tree planting will discourage continued mowing while adding to the aesthetic and ecological value of this portion of protected property.
The Stewardship team, which included Sarah Sheeran and SAHC AmeriCorps members David Hagler, Riney Woodbridge, and Leigh Siracusano, made quick work of the planting and documentation.
Returning member David Hagler said, “It was really interesting to work on a project that truly represents the breadth of stewardship work through this combination of conservation defense and minor ecological restoration. Hopefully, our efforts will result in a long-term solution that is acceptable for both parties.”
