WjColdWater
Senior Member
Finally Paige and I went on a much needed plot walk. I’m on week ten with a new hip and doing well enough to walk the high foliage. This CP-29 design plot is on year six with lots of diversity. The plot is 8.1 acres in size consisting of the following: 5.1 acres in a mixed pollinators and short grasses, 1 acre of cool season grasses (burn perimeter)1acre of mixed hardwood trees and 1 acre of native shrubs. Carol and I with help planted the plot ourselves. Wildlife is thriving here with Pheasants being a favorite here. Songbirds migrate through and many breed here with multiple species spotted. The insect life is incredible and the birds love the buffet. Small and large mammals enjoy the habitat also. Reptiles and frogs have returned, Carol isn’t crazy about the snake sightings.Thought I would share a few pics on the plot.
Paige and I on a needed walk. Tree plots surrounded by a livestock electric fence. Deer population here is tough on young trees.
The pollinator core is 70% forbs 30% short warm season grasses. Notice the tall warm season grasses Big Bluestem and Indian grass. They are invaders from the neighbors plot. Wind and animals brought them into our plot. Beautiful grasses that add diversity.
The cool season (burn perimeter) has a lot of Foxtail this year pheasants love foxtail. We only had two Bluebird clutches make it to maturity this season. Wet and cold conditions took two clutches along with two Tree Swallow nests.
Bumper crop of Partridge Pea this year a important seed for birds.
Stiff Goldenrod with (Canadian Goldenrod a invader)
Mountain Mint
Round-Headed Bush Clover more common each year.
New England aster invading the shrub plot.
Lots of Hazelnuts this season another important food for wildlife. American Plum finished fruiting last month. American Plum is one of the first flowering shrubs in the spring. Bees are on them as soon as they flower. Bees of all species visit our plot by the thousands all season.The butterfly show is incredible as well. It’s been so gratifying to give a little back to help the natural world.
Wayne
Paige and I on a needed walk. Tree plots surrounded by a livestock electric fence. Deer population here is tough on young trees.
The pollinator core is 70% forbs 30% short warm season grasses. Notice the tall warm season grasses Big Bluestem and Indian grass. They are invaders from the neighbors plot. Wind and animals brought them into our plot. Beautiful grasses that add diversity.
The cool season (burn perimeter) has a lot of Foxtail this year pheasants love foxtail. We only had two Bluebird clutches make it to maturity this season. Wet and cold conditions took two clutches along with two Tree Swallow nests.
Bumper crop of Partridge Pea this year a important seed for birds.
Stiff Goldenrod with (Canadian Goldenrod a invader)
Mountain Mint
Round-Headed Bush Clover more common each year.
New England aster invading the shrub plot.
Lots of Hazelnuts this season another important food for wildlife. American Plum finished fruiting last month. American Plum is one of the first flowering shrubs in the spring. Bees are on them as soon as they flower. Bees of all species visit our plot by the thousands all season.The butterfly show is incredible as well. It’s been so gratifying to give a little back to help the natural world.
Wayne