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Harrison Smith Preserve
Invasive Removal & Field Restoration Project
Update October 2009
In 2008, the Land Trust decided to restore a field at the Harrison Smith Preserve that had become nearly completely consumed by invasive vines, shrubs, and trees. Work began in November 2008 and continued during the winter of 2009 with Halfdan Prahl of Ridge Woodlands removing specified invasive species that needed to be eradicated to restore the field. During this clearing process, an old road was discovered which will become an improved trail.
Some of the debris was piled up to be burned later, while some was left on the sloping field to prevent erosion of the cleared land. During the spring of 2009, Project 2012 conducted 2 work days at the site. On the first workday, about 60 members of the class, along with some parents, gathered and burned the debris. On the second workday, the group returned to prepare the field for seeding and then seeding the field.
Neighbors of the Harrison Smith Preserve made generous donations to this project.
To visit the site, park either at Quarry Head Park or the parking area just north of the cemetery off Ridgefield Road near Keeler's Ridge Road. From Quarry Head, walk south across from the pond through the fields. From the parking area north of the cemetery, walk on the trail east into the woods, then turn left or north on a marked trail towards the field.
Immediately below is an aerial photo of the site showing the section of invasives to be removed within the red oval. Below that photo are some pictures that show the site before and during the restoration effort. (Click on the photos to show a larger image).
Invasive Removal & Field Restoration Project
Update October 2009
In 2008, the Land Trust decided to restore a field at the Harrison Smith Preserve that had become nearly completely consumed by invasive vines, shrubs, and trees. Work began in November 2008 and continued during the winter of 2009 with Halfdan Prahl of Ridge Woodlands removing specified invasive species that needed to be eradicated to restore the field. During this clearing process, an old road was discovered which will become an improved trail.
Some of the debris was piled up to be burned later, while some was left on the sloping field to prevent erosion of the cleared land. During the spring of 2009, Project 2012 conducted 2 work days at the site. On the first workday, about 60 members of the class, along with some parents, gathered and burned the debris. On the second workday, the group returned to prepare the field for seeding and then seeding the field.
Neighbors of the Harrison Smith Preserve made generous donations to this project.
To visit the site, park either at Quarry Head Park or the parking area just north of the cemetery off Ridgefield Road near Keeler's Ridge Road. From Quarry Head, walk south across from the pond through the fields. From the parking area north of the cemetery, walk on the trail east into the woods, then turn left or north on a marked trail towards the field.
Immediately below is an aerial photo of the site showing the section of invasives to be removed within the red oval. Below that photo are some pictures that show the site before and during the restoration effort. (Click on the photos to show a larger image).
