| October 2008 - Greenleaf Preserve - Coming Back Back to News Index |
Whispers in the Forest
Newtown Forest Association
Connecticut's Oldest Private Land Trust
Connecticut's Oldest Private Land Trust
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Our efforts to provide a diverse habitat for native plants, animals and insects here is succeeding.
In 2007, meadow areas and wetlands were identified and flagged to create a 100-foot buffer along all of the watercourses. This buffer has
encouraged regrowth of valuable edge habitat and stabilized stream banks from further erosion. This “edge” or woody shrub habitat also provides a
food source and shelter for birds and mammals alike. Two large meadow areas have been defined and are now being managed for the benefit of
wildlife and plant species diversity. Our seasonal mowing plan of early Spring and late Fall allows the maximum number of these native plant species
to emerge. A monoculture of field grasses was once the dominant plant species present in the heavily-mowed meadow areas. Prior to 2007, there
was no buffer to protect water quality or wetland erosion. Now there is notable and continued growth in native plant diversity in the meadow areas.
This has provided the necessary food and shelter to support a diverse population of nesting birds, mammals and insects.
A wet spring delayed meadow plant maturity 2-3 weeks from our observations in 2007. We have engaged Yale graduate students to help identify
and inventory these native plant species. This information will be used for stewardship purposes as well as the establishment of an informative
educational kiosk for those who visit the Greenleaf Preserve. A specified trail easement for limited equestrian use is in the process of being
formalized with the Newtown Bridle Lanes Association. We are currently developing walking trails to better access and monitor the natural resources
found here. It has been noted there has been a return of aquatic life in the buffered stream watercourses at this time and further water testing and
aquatic inventory is being done.
It has been our goal to encourage a more diverse native plant and wildlife habitat throughout this property. Specifically, we hope to attract
endangered New England song bird species and butterfly species. We have been employing sound maintenance practices with notable success and
welcomed input from the Nature Conservancy, the Audubon Society and the UCONN Coverts Project. We continue to develop a long-term
stewardship plan for Greenleaf to achieve these goals and we look forward sharing our progress with you.
In 2007, meadow areas and wetlands were identified and flagged to create a 100-foot buffer along all of the watercourses. This buffer has
encouraged regrowth of valuable edge habitat and stabilized stream banks from further erosion. This “edge” or woody shrub habitat also provides a
food source and shelter for birds and mammals alike. Two large meadow areas have been defined and are now being managed for the benefit of
wildlife and plant species diversity. Our seasonal mowing plan of early Spring and late Fall allows the maximum number of these native plant species
to emerge. A monoculture of field grasses was once the dominant plant species present in the heavily-mowed meadow areas. Prior to 2007, there
was no buffer to protect water quality or wetland erosion. Now there is notable and continued growth in native plant diversity in the meadow areas.
This has provided the necessary food and shelter to support a diverse population of nesting birds, mammals and insects.
A wet spring delayed meadow plant maturity 2-3 weeks from our observations in 2007. We have engaged Yale graduate students to help identify
and inventory these native plant species. This information will be used for stewardship purposes as well as the establishment of an informative
educational kiosk for those who visit the Greenleaf Preserve. A specified trail easement for limited equestrian use is in the process of being
formalized with the Newtown Bridle Lanes Association. We are currently developing walking trails to better access and monitor the natural resources
found here. It has been noted there has been a return of aquatic life in the buffered stream watercourses at this time and further water testing and
aquatic inventory is being done.
It has been our goal to encourage a more diverse native plant and wildlife habitat throughout this property. Specifically, we hope to attract
endangered New England song bird species and butterfly species. We have been employing sound maintenance practices with notable success and
welcomed input from the Nature Conservancy, the Audubon Society and the UCONN Coverts Project. We continue to develop a long-term
stewardship plan for Greenleaf to achieve these goals and we look forward sharing our progress with you.