Here I will share some information about what we've observed and gathered about the land, our objectives and what our intended actions are to fulfill those objectives. It's a 61-acre plot which is quite a lot for two people or a small family so it is unlikely we will 'do' much with most of it - more than simply enjoy it and let it thrive on it's own, as nature does so beautifully. Nevertheless, as stewards we agree that there are actions we can take to protect and even enhance the natural qualities of the land. Read on to see what we have in mind.
Property map:
First have a look at the map of the area. Indicated on the map are features that already exist on the land.
General characteristics:
Main objectives and how we intend to achieve them:
Protect and nurture the environment by conserving, improving and maintaining natural features such as the wetlands, hardwood forests and the open fields. Specifically we intend to:
Property map:
First have a look at the map of the area. Indicated on the map are features that already exist on the land.
General characteristics:
- Total size 61 acres
- Old abandoned farm, with reminants of small farmhouse and an old dug well
- Mixed hardwood and softwood forest including mostly maples, birch, poplars, some ash and a mature pine plantation
- Part of the east side is an environmentally protected area consisting mostly of wetland
- Other natural features include a south facing slope, valley, pasture, spring fed pond, scattered rock outcrops
- The elevation varies through the whole landscape. The highest point is 351 meters above sea level.
Main objectives and how we intend to achieve them:
Protect and nurture the environment by conserving, improving and maintaining natural features such as the wetlands, hardwood forests and the open fields. Specifically we intend to:
- apply earthworks after determining where they are best suited
- apply agroforestry techniques to some areas of the currently existing open fields
- identify and remove invasive species
Checking for clay content in a test hole at a possible pond location
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Earthworks can be used to create sustainable soil structure management and water conservation by planning and consequentially constructing a logical layout of roads, irrigation areas, swales, and dams |
Agroforestry is a land management system that combines agricultural and forestry technologies to create more diverse, productive, profitable, healthy, and sustainable land-use systems.
Enjoy and appreciate the nature and wildlife by protecting existing wildlife habitats in addition to attracting and establishing diverse and unique species of animals, beneficial insects and plants. We will do this by:
- retaining cavity trees, in addition to installing nest boxes to provide cavity-nesting habitat
- create brush piles with debris in forested areas
- maintain meadow habitat by mowing sections on rotation every three to four years
- increase wildflower diversity in existing open field meadows by spreading more native wildflower seeds
Harvested logs for our home
Appropriately manage the forest and woodlands by maintaining and improving forest health while simultaneously producing valuable forest products for our own use and possible surplus to share. To accomplish this we will:
- monitor for insect and disease damage
- thin the pine plantation to encourage natural regeneration and growth of remaining trees
- selectively harvest timber
- thin sugar bush to promote good development of tree crowns for quality maple syrup
- implement coppicing techniques on rotation in designated areas
- start a tree nursery to assist the establishment of diverse tree species, including native varieties as well as adjusting species composition to match current and future site conditions
- consult professional for advice on how to appropriately manage the pine plantation
Coppicing is an English term for a traditional method of woodland management which takes advantage of the fact that many trees make new growth from the stump or roots if cut down. In a coppiced wood, young tree stems are repeatedly cut down to near ground level. In subsequent growth years, many new shoots will emerge, and, after a number of years the coppiced tree, or stool, is ready to be harvested, and the cycle begins again.
Enjoy recreational activities for our own pleasure such as, hiking, walking and some biking. In the winter we enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even ice skating on our frozen marshy pond. We plan to continue and enhance the enjoyment of these activities by:
Continue to educate ourselves! We currently have some basic knowledge but we wish to be masters in identifing all the species of trees, shrubs, bushes, wildflowers, grasses, fungi and covercrops on the land as well as the birds, animals and insects that live on and/or migrate through. There is a vast selection of reference material available for everyone to educate themselves. Here are some we can refer to:
- maintaining the old logging trails that already exist on the property and connect to the public Heritage trail
- adding to this network by carving out and maintaining new trails
- eventually increase pond size and structure to make it suitable for swimming and possibly stocking fish
- possibly adding more swimming pond(s) in the long term
Continue to educate ourselves! We currently have some basic knowledge but we wish to be masters in identifing all the species of trees, shrubs, bushes, wildflowers, grasses, fungi and covercrops on the land as well as the birds, animals and insects that live on and/or migrate through. There is a vast selection of reference material available for everyone to educate themselves. Here are some we can refer to:
- LandOwner Resource Center (www.lrconline.com)
- Bancroft Area Stewardship Council (www.bancroftstewardship.ca)
- Bancroft Field Naturalist Club (www.bfnc.ca)
