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Reforestation: The Challenge and the Hope
It wasn’t long ago when Delaware was once covered by a lush blanket of coastal forest. Towering trees of oak, hickory, elm and chestnut were home and haven for songbirds, frogs, cougar and elk. A thick canopy sheltered streams and rivers, keeping the currents cool and clear. Flowering shrubs provided a feast of berries and seeds. Leaves falling with the seasons created food and habitat for wildlife. Fish darted through sparkling water as dragonflies flashed along shady banks. Tree roots prevented erosion while the leafy branches above cleaned the air and moderated the climate. The people living in these forests enjoyed the privacy and recreation these areas provided. They depended on the forest’s bounty for hunting, fishing and wood products. Today Delaware has lost 80% of its original native forest. Much of it has been cut down, paved over, or fragmented into small isolated patches. The First State leads the nation in the loss of native plant species with more than 40% of our plants rare or no longer found in Delaware. Aggressive exotic plants are taking over natural areas, competing with our native species for sun and soil. The rich web of plant and animal communities that once filled vast forests and wetlands has been greatly diminished. The quality of our air and water is seriously impacted. As the health of forests has been compromised, so have the many benefits they provide.
What landowners can do The greatest hope for the future of Delaware forests lies with private landowners. It is on your lands where there are still opportunities to restore and enhance the benefits that forests offer. Thoughtful reforestation can lessen many of the worst impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation. Our remaining forests are like a giant and tattered patchwork quilt. As a landowner, you have the ability to help mend the holes and stitch the pieces together, making the fabric strong again for future generations. Places where your efforts to restore forests can have the most impact:
Preserving and restoring forests is like sewing a patchwork quilt—the more pieces we can stitch together, the stronger the fabric is going to be.
Tree seedlings can cost as little as 40 cents each when purchased in bulk. Clustering a mixture of seedlings, larger saplings and shrubs in “islands” with larger trees can significantly accelerate the establishment of a new forest. These islands help shield young trees from wind, sun, and drought. They also speed regeneration of forests through root sprouts and by dropping seeds. Tree islands are immediately inviting to pollinating insects, as well as birds and small mammals that transport seeds. Along streams, the greatest value is achieved for habitat if you reforest an upland buffer at least 300 feet wide next to the wetland. Successfully restoring a forest involves more than just planting. It may also require watering in the early years if there are droughts, or protecting seedlings from deer and rabbit browse. Certain trees that re-seed heavily (such as sweetgum) may need to be controlled while the new forest gets established. You may also need to control invasive species that can smother young tree seedlings. Working outdoors on the land and watching a young forest emerge can be a source of great personal satisfaction. As writer Nelson Henderson once said, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Your good stewardship and efforts to restore Delaware’s forests will offer a legacy of hope for future generations. Living laboratories of reforestation success At Milford Neck Preserve in Kent County, more than 50,000 trees have been planted on former agricultural fields. “Tree islands” have been installed in open areas near established forest edges. These clusters of native saplings are supplemented with thousands of additional hardwood seedlings. In some fields, trees more than 40 feet tall have been transplanted from old drainage ditches. Once cleaned out, the ditches have been plugged with dirt to restore the natural flow of ground water. One of the keys to successful reforestation is controlling invasive weeds that have the potential to overwhelm young trees. As the forest becomes established, however, the need for weed control diminishes. The Conservancy places a high priority on early detection and eradication of non-native invasive plants. Pemberton Forest Preserve in Sussex County is another Conservancy reforestation project. The purchase of a former pine plantation expanded the preserve to 1,300 acres. This well-drained site is an exceptional opportunity for restoration. Years of commercial timbering left large areas clear cut. Dry upland forest is a crucial, but no longer common, habitat on Delmarva. Through a comprehensive long-range management plan developed with forestry experts, this property will once again host a healthy mixture of mature hardwoods. Initial planting efforts will begin in April 2006. Resources to help you Reference books are also available at your local library and bookstores. Preserving your restored forest Sources for native trees and shrubs:
In addition, a growing number of commercial nurseries supply native tree and shrub species.
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