What is a Tree Hugger?
The term “Tree Hugger” is synonymous with “Environmental Wacko”. One might say it’s used for environmental profiling.
Choose Clean Water Coalition Conference 2014
Poague Run – Sterling Example of Watershed Restoration
I watched the children carry their jars with native Brook Trout fingerlings to the edge of Poague Run. They carefully stepped close to the water and tipped the jars over releasing the fish into the stream. This simple act is a conservationist’s “Mount Everest”. Together, we climbed the mountain....
Why Do Farmers Fence Their Livestock Out of Streams?
Why do farmers fence their livestock from ponds, streams, and wetlands? Of the hundreds of farmers I have talked to that have done it these are the top four reasons:
Progressive Farmer Magazine Features Valley Farmer, Conservation and CBF
Deborah Huso, Free Lance Writer for the Progressive Farmer Magazine called me back in July. “I’d like to do a story on stream fencing, the Farm Bill and conservation. Do you have any farmers in mind that I could interview”, she said. This was music to my ears.
American Sycamore – Fortress of the Stream Bank
One of eastern North America’s greatest native trees is the American Sycamore, Platanus occidentals. Perhaps the most endearing feature of this legendary tree is its bark, especially in winter when the white bark, mottled with green and brown is fully exposed.
This is What a Well Functioning Riparian Buffer Looks Like
There are many definitions of riparian buffer. In this post and the video linked here, we offer the elements of a well-functioning buffer and show what they look like. Riparian buffers are one of the most effective Best Management Practices to abate non-point source water pollution. The word “riparian” comes from...
Well Managed “Open-Space” Should Not Be Taxed
“Well-managed” farmland and other working “open-spaces” should not be taxed when they provide ecosystem services exceeding the cost of public services for the land.
Native Plants Can Be Invasive
I finally found a plant that will take over tall fescue – wingstem, but I’m not sure I like it. Let me explain. Both plants are invasive, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a non-native invasive plant; wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) is a native plant that is invasive.
Planting and Growing a Successful Riparian Forest Buffer
I have been involved with over 500 miles of riparian buffer plantings and have witnessed plenty of failures and successes. I would like to share with you what I believe is the recipe for success, that being TREE CANOPY CLOSURE IN TEN YEARS.
