After buckthorn removal, it is very helpful to assist the native forest floor foliage to return and flourish. The needs are: first, to minimize the return of buckthorn and other invasives, and second, to establish conditions suitable for the sustainment of locally-appropriate vegetation.  We are trying to accomplish these goals by planting suitable species, and by setting up the right  conditions for regular prescribed burns. Burning the forest floor occurs naturally via lightning strikes in unmanaged  forests. These fires keep down the level of excess fuel that would eventually lead to a catastrophic fire.  

The demonstration plot is shown in the image directly below. It is located to the west of the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center and showcases two of these activities, both of which are ongoing the larger areas of the Park.  In the northeast corner, to the right of the sign in the image below, we have planted native ryegrass which is intended to create a suitable level of fuel for a prescribed burn. To the south and west, left of the sign, we have planted a diverse mixture of forbs and grasses that are intended to out-compete buckthorn, survive prescribed burns, and reproduce the natural ecosystem. The seed list for this diverse planting is shown below in the second image.

Our plan is to take pictures of this area regularly, and post them on this page.