We take an active approach to restoring and maintaining ecosystems, combatting invasive species, and promoting biodiversity through rewilding. We apply a toolkit of effective land management practices tailored to individual habitats and ecosystems, and we are measuring increases in biodiversity and ecosystem health to demonstrate the value of these practices.
“The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.”
Controlling Invasive Vegetation and Restoring Native Plants
Invasive plant species can pose a tremendous threat to native ecosystems. In order to restore healthy, biodiverse native habitats, these invasive species must be controlled. We have initiated programs to evaluate the effectiveness of control methods: mechanical cutting only, a combination of mechanical cutting and goat grazing, goat grazing only, and prescribed fire. We have taken baseline data on plant diversity and density across a variety of test sites, and we will continue to monitor progress.
Controlling invasive species also requires restoring native vegetation, so our programs include replanting forest understories with native seed mixes and monitoring the outcomes. We are also developing strategies for restoring threatened native ecosystems like meadows, shrub habitats, and ridge habitats.
Wetlands Restoration
Healthy wetlands and waterways are essential for thriving ecosystems and the water we drink. On the lands we steward, we are engaged in long-term restoration and protection of wetlands.
One of the first projects we are engaged in is the creation of an extensive wetland with a natural blend of shallow marshes, native vegetated areas and deeper open water for maximum biodiversity. Today, the area consists of two manmade lakes that were developed many years ago without regard for natural aquatic ecosystems. The lakes are uniform in depth and support only a few species of plants and animals. Water lilies have formed a monoculture, which limits the presence of species like Osprey, Bald Eagles, and river otters because fish don't have suitable habitat. For example, Ospreys return each spring, but as soon as water lilies cover the lake surface, Osprey are forced to leave as they are unable to hunt fish through the vegetation. During winter, decomposing lily pads rob the water of oxygen (harming fish and other aquatic species) and emit methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas.
Native Plant Nursery
Native plants have great value in both cultivated landscapes and rewilding efforts. They support local pollinators and wildlife, conserve water, help prevent soil erosion, and sequester carbon. In order to succeed in our environmental restoration and regenerative agriculture goals, Land Stewards is developing an onsite native plant nursery to propagate a high diversity of species. We are also using the nursery to propagate and experiment with threatened and endangered species that need a helping hand. Ultimately, we plan for our nursery to provide beautiful native vegetation that offer high environmental value to other landowners and land managers across the Northeast.
