Interpretive Signs Coming Soon
- Rolling Ridge
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
Educational signage that provides hikers and bikers with some background about forest health objectives on Rolling Ridge Conservancy lands, and more specifically, what our expectations are for the areas that have been harvested, will be installed in the months ahead. Some of the information that we hope to convey includes:
Why a timber harvest?
This section of forest was selectively timbered to favor Oak regeneration and mimic a natural disturbance like a forest fire or severe windstorm. Disturbance is a natural and healthy part of ecosystems, that continuously introduces diversity of age, species, and habitat for biological communities throughout successional phases.
Why Oaks?
Oaks, broadly, are understood to be keystone species in this forest. Keystone species are deeply integrated species with critical
importance to countless other organisms in the biological system. The disappearance of oaks from our forests would cause a cascading degradation to entire communities of wildlife. If we can support the health of oaks by securing space for new trees to germinate and succeed, we ensure the protection and continued presence of countless organisms and relationships that support our eastern woodlands.
What can we expect?
Over the coming years we expect to see new tree saplings growing up and filling the forest floor. With a more diverse forest structure there are more opportunities for species less suited to the closed canopy structure found throughout the property and much of our regional forests. The seeded wildflowers will offer opportunities for pollinators; and introduction of planted native trees and shrubs in the openings will provide more diversity and potential connections for our current forest species. All of this will move us towards greater resilience and possibility in the landscape.
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