Here in Brown County, Wisconsin, along the headwaters of the East River, there is a recently designated county park. Fonferek's Glen was a severely impacted area ten years ago. Several organizations have worked to plant trees in the area and ECO-Tours of Wisconsin Inc. has been planting there for several years as well. In honor of the Autumnal Equinox, we held another plant-in on the site today. Many of the trees that we have planted already are taller than a person and the shade that they produce is having a positive impact on the soil moisture and survival rates of newer seedlings and plantings that we continue to put out in that area. We have begun to see a change over the last few years that has been exciting and rewarding as well. We continue to spread seed, integrate organic matter and set out native plants that both add to the diversity of the area and begin the process of soil building within the park.
The "Glen" is made up of a variety of habitats, from rolling hills and open fields to cliffs, a waterfall, cave and natural bridge. part of the area was an old quarry, where limestone was wrested from the Earth. In addition, a large protected area, surrounded by cliffs and steep hills provides a unique habitat that is far warmer than the surrounding areas. When the park was still relatively new, we primarily planted pines and ashes and as the soils have begun to develop, we have increased both the species and numbers of trees that we plant. now that there are copses developing, we have tried to bring more hardwoods and have been given heart by their success. We have had some interesting trips to the site that have led us to see a wide variety of wildlife. Since there are several types of habitat available there, the preponderance of edge is astounding. The park itself is 74 acres, thirty of which had been heavily impacted agricultural land The first few visits that I made to the park, not even weeds could grow in the hard clay. Today, there is soil starting to form, evidence of a variety of critters and as I have said, a large number of trees that are showing evidence that in spite of difficult conditions, life can flourish when given a chance. The most wonderful changes that have taken place have been the wide distribution of milkweed, wild grape and raspberries several large areas have begun to revert to native plant cover, but there is plenty more that needs to be done.
Our group is relatively small and everyone who has helped us has done it selflessly. We have no paid staff. Other than my blogs and writing, we don't do any advertizing. since the inception of our organization, we have remained committed to spending every dollar we raise on either trees or tools to help us to plant more trees faster, or to hold trees for longer periods so that we can care for them in nursery conditions for a while instead of having to plant thousands of trees during the very short window that Spring and Fall provide. as we have continued to plant, we have learned much and discovered even more about what we can do to increase our effectiveness, our efficiency and making our events fun. To learn more, just attend one of our ECO-tours, write or call. We are most happy when we are planting trees, but we love to share what we have learned about the process with others, especially those interested in bringing these types of tours to their area.
We can be reached by snail mail at 1445 Porlier Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-3334. donations can be made through Paypal at account, tnsaladino42@hotmail.com, if you are in our area or will be passing through, you can call ahead to let us know about your availability for a personalized tour at (nine 2 zero) double eight-four, triple two-four. There are hundreds of tours we could guide across Northeast Wisconsin and we are never happier than when we spend time with folks in the pursuit of a more sustainable future. Total round trip to the Glen from our headquarters is under fifteen miles and within the same radius we can show visitors a zero-net energy home, cheap and effective solar space heaters and permaculture gardens to name just a few of the interesting and educational opportunities that abound across the region. We hope to see you soon! Blessed Be and Namaste'
The "Glen" is made up of a variety of habitats, from rolling hills and open fields to cliffs, a waterfall, cave and natural bridge. part of the area was an old quarry, where limestone was wrested from the Earth. In addition, a large protected area, surrounded by cliffs and steep hills provides a unique habitat that is far warmer than the surrounding areas. When the park was still relatively new, we primarily planted pines and ashes and as the soils have begun to develop, we have increased both the species and numbers of trees that we plant. now that there are copses developing, we have tried to bring more hardwoods and have been given heart by their success. We have had some interesting trips to the site that have led us to see a wide variety of wildlife. Since there are several types of habitat available there, the preponderance of edge is astounding. The park itself is 74 acres, thirty of which had been heavily impacted agricultural land The first few visits that I made to the park, not even weeds could grow in the hard clay. Today, there is soil starting to form, evidence of a variety of critters and as I have said, a large number of trees that are showing evidence that in spite of difficult conditions, life can flourish when given a chance. The most wonderful changes that have taken place have been the wide distribution of milkweed, wild grape and raspberries several large areas have begun to revert to native plant cover, but there is plenty more that needs to be done.
Our group is relatively small and everyone who has helped us has done it selflessly. We have no paid staff. Other than my blogs and writing, we don't do any advertizing. since the inception of our organization, we have remained committed to spending every dollar we raise on either trees or tools to help us to plant more trees faster, or to hold trees for longer periods so that we can care for them in nursery conditions for a while instead of having to plant thousands of trees during the very short window that Spring and Fall provide. as we have continued to plant, we have learned much and discovered even more about what we can do to increase our effectiveness, our efficiency and making our events fun. To learn more, just attend one of our ECO-tours, write or call. We are most happy when we are planting trees, but we love to share what we have learned about the process with others, especially those interested in bringing these types of tours to their area.
We can be reached by snail mail at 1445 Porlier Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-3334. donations can be made through Paypal at account, tnsaladino42@hotmail.com, if you are in our area or will be passing through, you can call ahead to let us know about your availability for a personalized tour at (nine 2 zero) double eight-four, triple two-four. There are hundreds of tours we could guide across Northeast Wisconsin and we are never happier than when we spend time with folks in the pursuit of a more sustainable future. Total round trip to the Glen from our headquarters is under fifteen miles and within the same radius we can show visitors a zero-net energy home, cheap and effective solar space heaters and permaculture gardens to name just a few of the interesting and educational opportunities that abound across the region. We hope to see you soon! Blessed Be and Namaste'
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