Pitch Pine Nursery
To support the final phase of the entrance improvement project, the pitch pine conservation and demonstration area, the FOHNP Stewardship Committee just received a generous grant from the Dominion Foundation. According to Emery Gluck, CT-DEEP Forester, “it is estimated that 95% of the pitch pine-scrub oak barrens have been lost, making these landscapes the most decimated upland ecosystem.” FOHNP is trying to make a difference and help restore them!
The conceptual plan on right, shows the pitch pine nursery design, with some planted pitch pine trees left to grow to maturity. Benches will surround a portion of the circle and the area bordered with split rail fencing and native plants, grasses and wildflowers. Penny Heller, Master Gardener and FOHNP member has created the draft planting plan for the project.
In early November Matt Varsen, from VarsenScapes, started work on grooming the site and installing a 20’ circular paver ‘stage’; the cost of the pavers is being discounted by 50% through Riverhead Building Supply of East Lyme. Once that is complete, EL Parks & Rec will machine dig the post holes for the 170’ of split rail fencing, which was donated by Rings End of Niantic.
The pitch pine saplings once large enough, will be transplanted up to the ridge tops in the preserve to help repopulate the dwindling imperiled species. With a focus on conservation education, interpretive signs also will be installed, and talks about the conservation effort as well as historical uses for pitch pine in Colonial times, will be held prior to guided hikes for visitors in the center circle. This space will offer a comfortable gathering point to start guided hikes, as well as a place to cool down, reflect and relax after a magical hike in the Hills.
Update 2/24/20:
Due to the cold weather, the outside site work on the pitch pine tree nursery is on hold until warmer/dryer weather returns in the Spring, but that doesn’t mean work has stopped entirely. This Winter, Master Gardner and EL Conservation Commission Member, Penny Heller, drafted a landscape planting plan for the site. It includes not only the placement of the young pitch pines – which will be left to grow to maturity – but also areas of native wildflowers, ferns and plants.
A second generous donation by Riverhead Building Supply in East Lyme was made to the project which included 10 pallets of stone pavers of different types. Project Manager and FOHNP Stewardship Chair, Greg Decker plans on using a portion of the donated stone to build curved benches to partially surround the now installed 20’ paver “stage” where talks will be given and where guided hike will begin. Decker also plans on using freshly cut white oak, donated by Thompson Native Lumber in Rhode Island, to steam bend the curved supports to support the seating for 4 benches.
Final grooming of the site will begin later this Spring which will incorporate a meandering 215’ gravel path through the exhibit.
The conceptual plan on right, shows the pitch pine nursery design, with some planted pitch pine trees left to grow to maturity. Benches will surround a portion of the circle and the area bordered with split rail fencing and native plants, grasses and wildflowers. Penny Heller, Master Gardener and FOHNP member has created the draft planting plan for the project.
In early November Matt Varsen, from VarsenScapes, started work on grooming the site and installing a 20’ circular paver ‘stage’; the cost of the pavers is being discounted by 50% through Riverhead Building Supply of East Lyme. Once that is complete, EL Parks & Rec will machine dig the post holes for the 170’ of split rail fencing, which was donated by Rings End of Niantic.
The pitch pine saplings once large enough, will be transplanted up to the ridge tops in the preserve to help repopulate the dwindling imperiled species. With a focus on conservation education, interpretive signs also will be installed, and talks about the conservation effort as well as historical uses for pitch pine in Colonial times, will be held prior to guided hikes for visitors in the center circle. This space will offer a comfortable gathering point to start guided hikes, as well as a place to cool down, reflect and relax after a magical hike in the Hills.
Update 2/24/20:
Due to the cold weather, the outside site work on the pitch pine tree nursery is on hold until warmer/dryer weather returns in the Spring, but that doesn’t mean work has stopped entirely. This Winter, Master Gardner and EL Conservation Commission Member, Penny Heller, drafted a landscape planting plan for the site. It includes not only the placement of the young pitch pines – which will be left to grow to maturity – but also areas of native wildflowers, ferns and plants.
A second generous donation by Riverhead Building Supply in East Lyme was made to the project which included 10 pallets of stone pavers of different types. Project Manager and FOHNP Stewardship Chair, Greg Decker plans on using a portion of the donated stone to build curved benches to partially surround the now installed 20’ paver “stage” where talks will be given and where guided hike will begin. Decker also plans on using freshly cut white oak, donated by Thompson Native Lumber in Rhode Island, to steam bend the curved supports to support the seating for 4 benches.
Final grooming of the site will begin later this Spring which will incorporate a meandering 215’ gravel path through the exhibit.
