Farmer Jeff here with an update on our tree-planting project. Lately, as weather has permitted, I have been finishing the soil work on nearly 17 acres of ground that encircles the farm in order to plant a cover crop of clover and oats. The reason for this is to prepare the soil for the planting of around 13,000 trees next spring. We will be planting a wide diversity of species, including Bur Oak, Swamp White Oak, Pin Oak, Shumard's Oak, Chinquapin Oak, White Oak, Northern Red Oak, Black Walnut, Sycamore, Sugar Maple, Shellbark Hickory, Shagbark Hickory, Pecan, Persimmon, Silky Dogwood, American Plum, Elderberry, Redbud, Hazelnut, Gray Dogwood, Northern White Cedar, and Norway Spruce.
You may ask, "Why plant trees when other farmers are tearing them out in favor of making more cropland?" Our answer: to foster necessary ecosystem services for our farm, the neighborhood, and the planet. Specifically, by planting trees we hope to:
1. Mitigate climate change (especially to buffer against increasing and more intense “weather events” and wind and to sequester carbon)
2. Improve soil and water quality
3. Create favorable contexts for raising livestock on pasture
4. Improve overall ecology of our farm and creation's neighborhood (attract birds, pollinators, beneficial insects, etc.)
5. Improve areas for agri-tourism (e.g. pizza nights and hiking)
I can only imagine, as our forest matures, the brilliance of the colors that will surround us at this time of year! I’m already smiling with amazement.
