This week brought us one of our favorite kind of replanting jobs. The sustainable & biodiverse reforestation of pastureland. The property owner recognized that annual mowing was not a winning strategy. It is a unique property here in Afton that hugs a creek line at its border while a sunken spring runs underneath. We worked with the property owner, who lives here part time, to select species that could not only handle & thrive in hydric (wet) conditions but also provide maximum benefit to wildlife. All the critters will soon enjoy a grove of Native Persimmons & Paw-Paws, Arrowwood Viburnum, Button Bush, Red-Twig Dogwoods, and a Noble Legacy Tree, the Swamp White Oak.

The second Phase of planting would include Elderberry, American Holly, & perhaps even a Southern Wax Myrtle or two. There are grant opportunities to be had a s well by private homeowners who are looking for this type of conservation on their property through our VCAP (Virginia Conservation Assistance) Program that is administered through our local Soil & Water Conservation District. We have many successful clients that have used it for planting &/or Permeable Pavers. We would be happy to talk to you about it if you are interested.