Your Land, Your Legacy

W I L L I S TOW N C O N S E RVAT I O N T RU S T

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

March 2007 Dear Friends and Neighbors, Because of the generosity of many landowners who have had the foresight to protect their land in perpetuity, we have an increasing amount of preserved countryside in the Willistown area. What started out to be a mosaic of conserved land dotted throughout the area has now become a significant area of contiguous protected space.

This growing mass of open space affords us a wonderful opportunity to enhance the land for the benefit of flora, fauna and future generations of people through good management practices. The guidelines outlined in Your Land, Your Legacy are designed to help you take care of your land in a way that will make a positive impact on both native species and our environment, creating both physical beauty and healthy ecosystems.

A single Willistown area landowner practicing proper land stewardship can make a big difference, but the benefits multiply with every neighbor who follows the same practices.

We hope you find these guidelines helpful. Downloadable copies as well as updates will be available online at www.wctrust.org.

Sincerely,

Jeanne B. Van Alen President and Executive Director

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Introduction The Willistown area is an oasis of open space amidst an area of burgeoning suburban development. With over 6,000 acres permanently protected, we have a unique opportunity to manage and care for the land in a way that will make it an even more special place for plants and living creatures. Our meadows, woodlands, creeks, farmlands, wetlands, and other wildlife habitats need protection and nurturing.

As indicators of biodiversity and environmental health, birds have much to teach us about our local landscape. In 2003, Audubon Pennsylvania designated the Willistown area as an Important Bird Area (IBA), identifying it as a site that provides essential habitat for birds.

A global effort to maintain bird populations, the IBA designation reminds us of what a truly special place Willistown is and that responsibly caring for our land has an impact that reaches even beyond our own geographic area.

The impact of doing nothing compared to actively managing your land may be surprising. Did you know that invasive plants can transform a meadow into a virtual desert for wildlife? That overpopulation of deer dramatically reduces bird species?

That appropriate plant life on stream banks

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

positively impacts water quality and the health of fish populations?

The purpose of this guide is to provide you, the landowner, with specific steps to enhance and nurture your property for both wildlife and plant life.

The purpose of this guide is to provide you with specific steps to enhance and nurture your property for both wildlife and plant life.

More than 6,000 acres have been protected by generous landowners who have donated conservation easements on their properties.

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History The story of the Willistown Conservation Trust began in 1980 when the Trust’s predecessor, the Willistown Area Conservation Program, was formed as a satellite program of the Brandywine Conservancy. Between 1980 and 1996, the Program under the leadership of Bonnie Van Alen, Kathe McCoy and Alice Hausmann, along with the support of the community and the wonderful commitment of many local landowners, made substantial progress toward the goal of preserving the area’s natural and scenic resources. During that period, Bonnie, Kathe, and Alice worked closely with more than ninety landowners in Willistown, Easttown, Newtown, Edgemont, and East Goshen Townships to protect their lands in perpetuity through the donation of conservation easements.

Retaining the rural character of the Willistown area amidst surrounding development will depend largely on to the generosity of area landowners who choose to protect their lands in perpetuity.

In 1996 the Willistown Conservation Trust evolved as an independent, publicly supported, community based land trust. The Trust is directed by a committed Board of Trustees whose mandate is to build on the conservation successes of the past, to meet the ever

The mission of the Willistown Conservation Trust is to preserve the open land, rural character, scenic, historic and ecologically significant resources of the Willistown area and nearby communities, with particular emphasis on the Crum, Ridley and Darby Creek watersheds.

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increasing challenges which threaten the area’s critical natural, scenic, and historic resources, and to assure the long term continuation of a vigorous conservation organization within Willistown and the surrounding communities.

During the course of the last 25 years, the Trust and its founders have assisted

landowners in donating over 140 conservation easements, resulting in the protection of more than 6,000 acres of land. Recognizing the enormous opportunity presented by this critical mass of open space, the Trust has become a strong advocate for responsible land management practices.

Landowners want to ensure that the beauty they enjoy today will continue to be there for their great grandchildren.

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Getting Started Land stewardship is the careful management of your property’s natural resources over a long period of time. The motives of good land stewardship can be both selfish and altruistic. As a landowner, you want to continue to enjoy the benefits of your land for many years to come whether those benefits are peace and solitude, beautiful views, or songbirds throughout the year. You also want to be a good neighbor, sharing concern for surrounding lands and those downstream from your property. Many landowners also wish to ensure that the benefits they enjoy now will continue to be there for future generations.

Often referred to as “the father of conservation,” the late Aldo Leopold believed that land stewardship was not only rooted in conservation but also involved the search for a higher meaning. He wrote that “…the individual is a member of a community of interdependent parts. The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, animals, or collectively: the land.” This is to say that once we understand that humans are not separate from, but are part of and depend on the natural community, we will develop an ethic to care for the community as a whole.

Stewardship is the greatest gift you can give to present and future generations.

Making a list of the characteristics of your land, including features such as this equestrian trail, is a good start.

The Inventory The most important step in the management process is an inventory of your land. An initial sketch outlining different habitat types often can be made in a short amount of time. For many landowners this outline is sufficient.

However, if your land holdings are large or contain a variety of habitats, a more detailed inventory may be preferred.

An inventory can be made using an aerial photograph. Photos and maps of your property can be downloaded for free from the web site www.willistown.pa.us. Major landmarks, openings, and habitat types are easily seen and trees and shrubs also can be identified.

If you choose to conduct a comprehensive inventory, the next step is to prepare an overlay map using tracing paper and the aerial photo.

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First, on the photo, outline different types of vegetation or cover such as fields, wetlands, forest type, etc. Next, trace the outline of these covers onto a clean sheet of paper and briefly describe each cover. This tracing is called an overlay or cover map. A field check may be necessary at this time to accurately describe some of the cover units. You may wish to enlarge all or portions of your map in preparation for developing your management plan.

Setting Your Objectives In setting your objectives, first take into consideration the natural characteristics of your land. For example, it would not be wise to clear forest in order to establish a grassland wildlife community as such land would probably be managed as a woodland community.

After your objectives have been set, the management strategies to accomplish them can be developed.

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

Example Objectives Take some time to decide exactly what your objectives are. A combination of your goals and the inventory will indicate the management potential for your land.

Some examples of possible objectives are to: 1. Improve the land for grassland birds and other wildlife.

2. Improve the land for woodland birds and other wildlife.

3. Increase diversity of native species.

4. Remove and/or control invasive plants.

5. Manage deer population on property.

6. Restore a riparian buffer.

7. Create a pond or restore an existing pond.

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Aerial photographs available from www.willistown.pa.us or companies like GoogleEarth can be helpful in creating an inventory of the features of your land.

Revision date: March 2007

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Planting With Native Species Have you ever spent time observing young monarch caterpillars devouring milkweed plants on your property? Do you take note of the types of flowers that ruby-throated hummingbirds visit most often? We often overlook the spectacular array of native plants which grace our surrounding landscapes and the wildlife they attract. These wildflowers, shrubs, trees and grasses form the basis of the many diverse communities and ecosystems which have been decorating our landscape and prospering here for thousands of years. Today, many landowners are realizing the benefits of plants that are naturally adapted to our local soils and climate—less care, fewer problems, lower costs and year-round beauty. Yet, more importantly, these plants awaken our senses by surrounding us with the sights, sounds, fragrances, and textures of life. When you plant with natives, the result is more that just landscaping. A landscape of native plants creates a sense that it belongs here, not just anywhere.

Why are Natives Important?

plants to the land, many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and beneficial insects return as well, thereby restoring a vital part of the web of life. Landscaping with natives enriches the soil, decreases water run-off, and filters the pollution caused by fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Planting with natives can even reduce the need for your lawnmower.

A monarch butterfly visits a milkweed plant.

Environmental Benefits Native landscaping helps to restore ecosystems such as grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands that once covered the majority of our Northeastern landscape. By returning native YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

Economic Benefits Generally, native landscaping is more costeffective than traditional landscaping. For the PLANTING WITH NATIVE SPECIES PAGE 1

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landowner, native plants are adapted to local conditions and thus require less fertilizer, pesticides, maintenance and watering than nonnative landscaping plants. Since native plants have a greater survivability than non-natives, planting with natives often means fewer hassles and less coddling.

and texture, from buds to blooms to bark to berries. Since there are native plants that thrive in wet, dry, sunny or shady locations, there are no problem areas with native landscaping.

Educational and Recreational Benefits Native landscapes provide opportunities for hands-on educational programs for people of all ages to learn about habitats and ecosystems.

They hold historical and cultural value as well; Native Americans and early settlers used many of these plants for a variety of purposes. A native landscape also provides the ideal setting for bird and butterfly watching, photography and nature walks. A 2001 study by Cornell University showed that living in close proximity to a natural habitat provides measurable benefits to a child’s mental health.

Getting Started A Red-Winged Blackbird rests on cattails in a Willistown field.

Before you Plant

Begin by choosing native plants that will grow well at your site. For example, you will need to Aesthetic Benefits consider whether the site is wet or dry, shady Native plant communities and natural areas or sunny, acid or neutral soil. Also take into provide opportunities to experience and consideration how large the plants will get appreciate our rich natural heritage and a and whether they will thrive in your climate sense of place. While traditional lawns use zone. Avoid plants known to be susceptible only a few species of grass, native landscape to insects or disease. Fall and spring are the designs can include dozens of species of best seasons for planting, but planting can trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers, all be done year-round as long as the plants are blooming at different times during the growing watered sufficiently. Watering, especially during season. Their unique and constantly evolving the summer, is necessary until plants are well attractiveness is what many find most appealing. established. Pruning requirements should be Pennsylvania natives offer a wealth of color PLANTING WITH NATIVE SPECIES PAGE 2

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Favorite Natives Medium & Large Trees Sugar maple Black birch Eastern white pine Sycamore White Oak Red Oak Basswood

Acer saccharum Betula lenta Pinus strobus Platanus occidentalis Quercus alba Quercus rubra Tilia americana

minimal if plants are selected wisely窶馬atural branching options are the most attractive.

Ideally, native plants will ultimately require little or no care in their recreated natural habitat.

It is also important to buy healthy, nursery propagated plants and plant them properly.

Most retail nurseries and mail-order catalogs now offer native plants. When planted in the right situation, native plants require minimal maintenance. Natives are well-adapted to our climate, with built-in resilience to temperature and rainfall fluctuations.

those found in the forest understory, will also benefit from the addition of organic matter.

To improve soil fertility, adding compost and mulch of leaves or grass clippings provides slow release of nutrients. Chemical fertilizers often provide too many nutrients too quickly for native plants, and this flush of nutrients can often give weeds a competitive edge.

Strive for organic pest control and keep the soil covered to prevent weeds. Remove invasive plants nearby and take out severely diseased plants, or ones with insect infestations.

Many native plants attract beneficial insects which help control pests, so planting a native landscape creates habitat for good bugs.

Native plants require less fertilizer, pesticides, maintenance and water and attract an array of wildlife that delights the senses.

Soil Preparation Most native trees and shrubs can be planted into the native soil with no site preparation.

Some shrubs, especially rhododendrons and other broadleaved evergreens, benefit from the incorporation of organic matter (at least 6 inches deep) into the soil prior to planting.

Herbaceous perennials and annuals, especially YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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masse is much more attractive than planting Set the plants into the places where you plan to ones and twos. Use the principles of design put them and always feel free to make changes, such as scale, form, texture, color, focus, and balance to envision the most attractive even if you are following a plan made by a arrangement of the plants in your overall design within the surrounding area. Try to Favorite Natives visualize how your landscape will look in Perennials, Ferns & Grasses different seasons and in years to come and make sure you space the plants to allow for Maidenhair Fern Adiantum pedatum growth. Adjust the placement of the plants Wild columbine Aquilegia canadensis until you are satisfied with the aesthetic Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardii Butterfly-weed Asclepias tuberosa appearance of your design.

Finalization of the Design

New England aster Bottlebrush sedge Turtlehead Purple Coneflower Virginia Wildrye Gaura Wood geranium Common sneezeweed Sunflowers Oxeye sunflower Alum-root Cardinal flower Great blue lobelia Bee-balm Sundrops Christmas Fern Solomon’s seal Black-eyed Susan Little Bluestem Foamflower

Aster novae-angliae Carex hystericina Chelone glabra Echinacea purpurea Elymus virginicus Gaura biennis Geranium maculatum Helenium autumnale Helianthus sp.

Heliopsis helianthoides Heuchera americana Lobelia cardinalis Lobelia siphilitica Monarda sp.

Oenothera sp.

Polystichum achrostichoides Polygonatum pubescens Rudbeckia hirta Schizachyrium scoparium Tiarella cordifolia

professional. When designing a landscape, nothing helps more than actually seeing the plants in place. Stand back and look from different perspectives. Planting large numbers of a single plant together (five or more) en PLANTING WITH NATIVE SPECIES PAGE 4

A new landscape consisting entirely of native plants was installed at The Willistown Conservation Trust offices in the Fall of 2006.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by to see how beautiful native plantings can be.

After Planting Plants should always be watered as soon as possible after planting to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets.

Mulching with organic mulch (bark, straw, leaves, etc.) helps to keep in moisture, prevents erosion, and discourages weeds.

Planting spreading groundcovers, although YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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expensive initially, will save future labor by out-competing weeds once they have become established.

Favorite Natives Native Small Trees & Shrubs Serviceberry Redbud Alt.-leaved dogwood Flowering dogwood Witch-hazel Wild hydrangea Oakleaf Hydrangea American Holly Winterberry Mountain laurel Virginia Creeper Fragrant sumac Elderberry Lowbush blueberry Highbush blueberry Maple-leaved viburnum Arrowwood viburnum Swamp-haw vibrunum Black-haw viburnum Arrowwood viburnum Cranberry Viburnum

Amelanchier arborea Cercis canadensis Cornus alternifolia Cornus florida Hamamelis virginiana Hydrangea arborescens Hydrangeq quercifolia Ilex opaca Ilex verticillata Kalmia latifolia Parthenocissus quinquefolia Rhus aromatica Sambucus canadensis Vaccinium angustifolium Vaccinium corymbosum Viburnum acerifolium Viburnum dentatum Viburnum nudum Viburnum prunifolium Viburnum recognitum Viburnum trilobum

Nitrogen is usually the only supplemental nutrient needed by woody plants. Chemical fertilizers are expensive and if over-applied can leach and pollute watersheds. Organic fertilizers are generally safer, but may take a little longer to show results. If the leaves on a plant are light green, yellow or smaller than normal, application of nitrogen may be indicated. The best time to fertilize is just after plants begin to grow in the spring.

Applications may be made in late fall, late winter and early spring but some loss of nitrogen may occur. Fertilizers containing herbicides should not be used. Subsequent watering of new transplants is necessary whenever sufficient rainfall is absent for several days, not just in the summer.

By planting native gardens, you will be helping preserve the native plants that are disappearing from our natural areas and creating small oases for our local wildlife. You will be amazed by the increase of birds and butterflies that make your garden a livelier place to enjoy.

Prune only to remove dead, diseased, or rubbing branches, or to balance out the canopy.

Cuts should be made close or flush to the next biggest branch, leaving no stubs.

Fertilization may help newly planted trees and shrubs, but in general, apply sparingly.

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SOURCES AND RESOURCES The information in this section was largely compiled from the following sources. Additional resources have been listed for your reference.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/wildplant/native.aspx Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve http://www.bhwp.org/native/native_plants_info_sheets.htm The Wild Ones A nonprofit organization promoting biodiversity with an emphasis on landscaping using native species. http://www.for-wild.org National Wildlife Federation’s Habitat Project www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat Redbud Native Plant Nursery Located in nearby Gradyville, offers gardeners and land managers a diverse selection of native plants to transform and naturalize their landscapes. www.redbudnativeplantnursery.com Yellow Springs Farm Located in Chester Springs, specializes in the hard-to-find species and theme garden varieties especially shade gardens, sunny gardens, butterfly gardens and meadows. www.yellowspringsfarm.com Prairie Nursery Beautiful and informative catalogue. Potted plants, kits, seeds and mixes. “No mow” lawn mix. www.prairienursery.com Prairie Moon Nursery Extensive selection of seeds, field-grown plants, trees and shrubs. Informative catalogue with beautiful photos. Assorted books on plants and related interesting subjects. www.prairiemoonnursery.com Revision date: March 2007

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Invasive Species Management As you drive down the road, or walk or ride on Willistown’s trails, you are most likely aware of many invasive plant species such as multiflora rose, oriental bittersweet, and Japanese honeysuckle.

make it difficult for native forest-floor plants to find space, and they consume more than their share of water, weakening neighboring trees.

The Norway maple’s millions of wind-blown seeds thrive almost anywhere.

Before discussing invasive species, however, there are several terms we should define. A native plant is one that has grown in a particular geographic area for long periods of time. A non-native (alien, exotic, or introduced) plant is one that occurs outside of its natural range and was brought to a new area either accidentally or on purpose. Non-native plants have many uses in our lives such as food sources, medicines, and gardening. However, when a non-native plant exhibits certain characteristics, it is considered invasive.

Once these plant species are well established, it is sometimes impossible to remove them.

Invasive species degrade many of the habitats that other species, such as birds and butterflies, depend upon for reproductive success.

Therefore, it is important that landowners recognize that what they plant or allow to grow on their property can have far-reaching impacts.

Found both on land and in water, invasive plants threaten our native flora and fauna because they grow quickly and aggressively.

When invasive species take over large areas of habitat, ecological processes are changed.

Their phenomenal growth allows them to outcompete native plants by shading them out and producing huge numbers of seeds. For example, the Norway maple’s dense canopy withholds light from shorter plants. The dense, shallow roots of this European native YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

The Norway maple is one our most virulent invasive species.

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• On a larger scale, invasive plants can decrease the variety and number of native plants that are available to wildlife and other organisms, for food, shelter, and breeding or nesting sites.

Warning Signs

Multiflora rose will quickly take over a meadow if not kept in check.

Why are some plants invasive?

A plant is invasive in an area if it grows rapidly and is difficult to remove or control once established. Many of these immigrants leave behind the pests and predators that had held their numbers in check in their native habitat.

Some non-native plants develop into invasive species when they hybridize with relatives they meet in their new environment.

Characteristics of invasive plants that allow them to alter natural environments are the following: • Plants physically take over the space around them, preventing native plants from growing in the same area.

1. Bird-dispersed berries pose the greatest risk of spreading non-native plants.

Landowners should recognize that the growing of attractive non-native berries could promote long-range dispersal by birds.

2. High seed production or germination rate, and the ability to spread rapidly by rhizomes or root systems are common features of invasive plants. A single Chinese “Tree of Heaven” can spawn 350,000 seeds per year, most of which can germinate and establish taproots within 3 months!

Managing Invasive Species The following list and the color photographs provided in Appendix A will help identify those plants that are most invasive and cause damage to native plant communities. Early detection can prevent these exotics from becoming established.

• Plants change their immediate environment by altering the amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients that are available to other plants and organisms.

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INVASIVE PLANTS WATCHLIST photographs can be found in Appendix A Trees Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Shrubs Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Russian Olive and Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia and E. umbellata) Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus) Tartarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tataria) Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) Forbs/Grasses Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria, L. virgatum) Vines Porcelain-berry (Ampelopsis revipedunculata) Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

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What can you do?

Preventing plants from becoming established is the most effective, economical, and ecologically sound approach to managing invasives.

However, if you already have an infestation, more than one tool may be necessary to control the problem. Here are some basic guidelines to follow: • Understand a plant’s identity and habits so non-toxic, preventative measures can be used first. If you are unsure of the identification of a plant, take a sample to a university, arboretum, department of agriculture office, local nature center, or native plant society for assistance. Find out if it is known or thought to have invasive tendencies. If the exotic plant is closely related to an invasive species, it is likely to have similar tendencies.

To be on the safe side, if you don’t know it, don’t grow it.

• Where feasible, pull invasive plants up by hand in the fall or spring before flowering and fruiting to prevent the production and dispersal of seeds. If the plants are pulled while in fruit, the fruits should be bagged and disposed of. If hand-pulling is not practical, remove them entirely by cutting, mowing, or selectively applying an herbicide to prevent flowering and seed dispersal. These measures will also help reduce their spread outside INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PAGE 4

your property.

• Do not purchase or use invasive species in your landscaping. Instead use plants that are native to your local region as much as possible or use those that are known to not be invasive.

• Avoid disturbance to natural areas, including clearing of native vegetation and dumping of yard wastes.

SOURCES AND RESOURCES The information in this section was largely compiled from the following sources. Additional resources have been listed for your reference. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/ invasivetutorial/List.htm http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/index.htm http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/ http://www.ipane.org http://www.invasive.org

Revision date: March 2007

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Grassland Management Grasslands in the northeastern United States have provided home and sanctuary to grassland birds and other wildlife for thousands of years.

Diminishing habitat and changes in agricultural practices have caused grassland birds to decline at a faster rate than other species. However, landowners can help stem the tide and revive grassland birds. With proper management, meadows and grasslands typically found in the Willistown area can provide important habitat for numerous species of grassland birds.

In historic grasslands, birds such as Bobolinks and Eastern Meadowlarks raised their young, hunted for food, and returned each spring to continue the cycle. Following human settlement, conversion of these grasslands to hayfields and pastures was compatible with grassland bird species. However, land use and agricultural practices have changed dramatically over the past 50 years and remaining grasslands have become smaller and more isolated. For example, hayfields that could provide marginal habitat are now regularly mowed earlier in the season than they were 50 years ago, and they are mowed multiple times per season, often before first broods of birds can fledge.

(Rodenhouse et al. 1995, Vickery 1996) As a result, grassland birds have been declining at a faster rate than other species.

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

The following information addresses the management of small grasslands, generally ranging in size from 10 to 75 acres, which are not in active agricultural use. Many of the properties in the Willistown Conservation Trust program area fit this description, and proper grassland management can provide a great benefit to the species that depend on them for habitat.

In addition to offering stunning scenery, grasslands in the Willistown area provide home and sanctuary to birds and other wildlife, as this group enjoys on an organized nature walk.

Value of Grasslands to Wildlife Grasslands support a variety of wildlife species.

In fact, some kinds of birds cannot live in any other ecosystem. For example, Northern Harriers, Kestrels, Barn Owls, Bobolinks, and Meadowlarks thrive best in grassland habitats GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 1

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of at least 50 acres. Meanwhile, grasslands smaller than 50 acres will attract Bobwhite Quail, Bluebirds, Red-Winged Blackbirds, American Goldfinches, Common Yellowthroats, and Vesper, Grasshopper, Field, and Song Sparrows. Because grasslands provide nesting, brood rearing, and roosting cover, they are also important to quail, pheasants, and wild turkeys.

Pheasants in particular also find native grasses such as Switchgrass, Indiangrass, and the Bluestems suitable for winter shelter because the grasses stand up to snow and provide valuable forage during the winter months.

Some of these birds, including Bobwhite Quail

Although in decline, the Eastern Meadowark can still be found in Willistown area grasslands, where it hunts for food, raises its young, and returns to the same grassland each spring to repeat the cycle.

and pheasants, are no longer nesting in our area. But good management practices by a critical mass of landowners could encourage them to return.

Grasslands also provide habitat to a variety of other wildlife. Small mammals that inhabit GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 2

fields, such as meadow voles, shrews, voles and mice, are an important food source for many birds of prey. They are also home to rabbits, some kinds of snakes, and a host of avian and ground predators including hawks, owls, raccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes, and coyotes. Larger mammals, such as white-tailed deer regularly visit grasslands for feeding.

Numerous insects, especially butterflies, such as Tiger Swallowtails, Monarchs, and Fritillaries, can be found in fields feeding on wildflower nectar.

Urgent Need for Conservation of Grassland Birds Grassland birds have recently been receiving national conservation attention due to the alarming rates of population decline in most grassland species across the United States. The grassland bird populations on the east coast are threatened largely due to fragmentation and degradation of grassland habitats resulting from farming practices and urban sprawl. By increasing the quality and quantity of acres devoted to grassland habitat, we can help protect and even improve the numbers of remaining species.

Creating or Restoring Grasslands If you were to take an inventory of your land, as explained in the Getting Started section, what grasslands, if any, would you find? If you currently own a grassland area, consider YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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yourself lucky. You may be able to restore the grasses for wildlife cover: grassland to full productivity by eliminating • They hold up to the elements as much competition as possible and then • They are native to Pennsylvania, inter-seeding desirable plant species. Or you • They can be planted along with may own an old field that was once in crop wildflowers production and is now left idle. Field borders, • They live a long time. old fencerows, farm lanes and other corridors, and odd areas that can not be plowed or disked offer further opportunities for grassland Warm Season Grasses establishment. Your active hayfields and pasturelands are types of grassland, too. Often, they can be managed for livestock forage and Indian Grass wildlife simultaneously. The current quality Big Bluestem of your grasslands depends on soil and water Little Bluestem conditions and plant composition. Varying Switchgrass combinations may attract different wildlife species.

Often called “bunch grasses” because they grow in clumps, these plants do not break down Warm Season Grasses easily under heavy winds or deep snow. Their disadvantages are that they initially cost more There are two basic kinds of grasses—warm to plant than other types of grass and typically season and cool season. Warm season grasses take up to three years to establish. Patience is are usually referred to as prairie grasses and the key to success with warm season grasses. include species such as Indiangrass, Big Once these native grasses take hold, however, Bluestem, Little Bluestem, and Switchgrass. they need little attention and will live many These species grow best under the heat of a years through proper maintenance. summer sun followed by warm nights. You often see them mixed with colorful native wildflowers in well established sites. Besides their value to wildlife, warm season grasses can provide forage for livestock and add beauty to the landscape.

Since the grassland ecosystem is dependent on periodic disturbance to suppress growth of other species, maintaining them with proper management options will keep them healthy and productive for wildlife. As described later on, these management options could include Although wildlife thrives in both cool and warm season grasses, there are four reasons why light grazing by livestock, periodic mowing, wildlife biologists usually prefer warm season prescribed burning, or the spot application of a YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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selective herbicide.

Cool Season Grasses Many of the grasses you see in Pennsylvania are non-native cool season grasses that have been introduced for crop and pastureland because the moist, cool spring and fall weather in the northeast provides ideal growing conditions.

These non-natives include Brome Grass, Timothy, and Orchardgrass. However, there are valuable native cool season species, which include Canada Wildrye, Redtop, and June Grass. Cool season grasses grow in the spring and fall, but are dormant during the summer.

They grow best when the daytime temperatures on spring and fall days reach 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit followed by cool nights.

Cool season stands can be valuable to wildlife because they provide nesting and cover in spring and summer and sometimes roosting cover in summer and fall. Most landowners are familiar with these grasses. Advice on planting

Native Cool Season Grasses Canada Wildrye Redtop June Grass

and equipment are easy to come by, and the stands are easy and more affordable than warm season grasses to establish. Annual mowing GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 4

will keep them productive although the stands lose vigor over time and may need to be replanted. They also tend to break down under wind and snow.

Plant Selection What grasses should you plant, and where should you then plant? You should decide what your overall management plans are before deciding whether to keep your existing cool season grasses or convert your land to warm season grasses. Many landowners whose goal

Suggested Plants for Dry Sites Grasses Little Bluestem – Schizachyrium Sideoats grama– Bouteloua Curtipendula Indiangrass – Sorghastrum nutans Canada wild rye – Elymus Canadensis Big bluestem – Andropogon gerardii Switchgrass – Panicum virgatum Wildflowers Butterflyweed – Asclepias tuberose Blue false indigo – Baptisia australis Purple coneflower – Echinacea purpurea Northern blazing-star – Liatris scariosa Dense blazing star – Liatris spicata Lavender bergamot – Monarda fistulosa Eastern pricklypear cactus – Opuntia humifusa Penstemon spp.

Prairie coneflower – Ratibida pinnata Black-eyed susan – Rudbeckia hirta Brown-eyed susan – Rudbeckia triloba Northern wild senna – Senna hebecarpa Goldenrod species – Solidago spp.

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is to provide year-round habitat for grassland songbirds plant both types side by side, along with a nearby food plot containing corn, buckwheat, millet, and sunflowers or a similar mixture of preferred wildlife foods. However, warm season grasses should be planted before cool season grasses to ensure full stand development. If your property is small and you are able to provide only one component of habitat, consider working with neighbors who might be willing to furnish other needs.

Besides soil considerations, other site concerns include drainage, erosion and potential weed problems. This information will help you know what to plant and how much effort will be needed to maintain the grassland once it is established.

The over-abundance of white-tailed deer can present a problem if you choose to incorporate wildflowers into your grassland. If deer area a problem, you would do best by just planting the grass species.

Plant A Variety Of Grasses and Wildflowers Planting more than one kind of grass will provide the variety of grass heights and density for good nesting habitat, especially for waterfowl and songbirds. Mixing wildflowers in warm season stands will encourage insects, which in turn provide food for wildlife. Stiffstemmed wildflowers provide perching sites for meadowlarks, sparrows, and other birds and offer a source of nectar for hummingbirds and bee species.

Which species of grasses and wildflowers you establish depend on soil type, depth, texture, and fertility. Certain grasses grow better on dry sites, and other types thrive on wet sites.

Warm season grasses, for example, tend to grow well on sandy, droughty, or excessively drained sites. Most cool season grasses perform better on well-drained soils of sandy loam.

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Mixing wildflowers with grasses in meadow areas will encourage insects, which in turn provide food for wildlife.

Location To increase the value of grasslands to wildlife, especially smaller sites of 5 to 20 acres, place them next to or near other suitable habitat.

Examples are hayfields, pastures, and wetlands.

Your grassland will help wildlife the most if the lands surrounding your property are also in grasslands or associated habitats. The best GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 5

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Suggested Plants for Wet Soil Conditions Grasses Big bluestem – Andropogon gerardii Bottlebrush sedge – Carex hystericina Fox sedge – Carex vulpinoidea Common rush – Juncus effusus Canada wild rye - Elymus Canadensis Virginia wild rye – Elymus virginicus Wildflowers Goats’ Beard – Aruncus dioicus Swamp milkweed – Asclepias incarnate Beebalm – Monarda didyma Slender blue flag – Iris versicolor Blue flag – Iris versicolor Great blue lobelia – Lobelia siphilitica Cardinal flower – Lobelia cardinalis Purple-stemmed aster – Aster puniceus New England aster – Aster novae-angiliae Cutleaf coneflower – Rudbeckia laciniata Joe-pye-weed – Eupatorium fistulosum defense against predation is to plant a large grassland area rather than a small one. Ten acres is better than five acres, and 20 acres is better than 10 acres. If a larger planting is not possible or practical, you can help protect nesting birds from predation by edge-loving raccoons, hawks, opossums, and skunks, and parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds by placing the grassland at least 50 yards from hedgerows, woodlots, and dead trees. The buffer between these habitat types can be GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 6

planted with shrubs or kept open. The shape of the grassland planting is also important, especially small grasslands. To reduce predation, plant in circles or squares rather than in linear strips.

Converting an Old Farm Field to Grasslands Idled farm fields’ borders and corridors can often be converted to grasslands if the site and soil conditions are favorable. After those determinations are made, you will need to identify what stage of natural succession the field is in. What is currently growing there?

Are the plants annuals or perennials? Have shrubby plants like dogwood, blackberry, and sumac already begun to invade? Are there any trees? If so, what kind? Before converting an old farm field to a grassland, it is best to eliminate the existing vegetation. Burning, mowing, disking and the application of selective herbicides are all methods used to return an old field to bare-soil conditions.

Old fields may not be as beneficial to some grassland species as planted prairies but they also provide food, shelter, and security for many species.

Creating a New Grassland or Restoring a Grassland Once you have decided that you want to restore an area or convert an open area to a native grassland, there are a number of important YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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points that will help ensure success.

Recommendations for New Grasslands • Remove woody vegetation. Field edges, particularly those dividing fields, can be removed to control invasive woody plants and create larger grasslands.

Removal of woody vegetation can be achieved by a variety of means: mechanically, chemically, or by burning.

Removal should be avoided during the nesting season to minimize disturbance to nesting birds. An intensive spring fire regime for several years reduces shrubs and encourages growth of native species.

Once shrub growth is diminished, burning can be reduced to a light burn every two to six years to maintain grasses. Such treatment is often used to help remove particularly stubborn shrubs and trees. Some herbicides may be applied directly to the newly cut shrub stem.

• Use pesticides carefully. Herbicides such as glyphosate (RoundUp) can be used to prepare the site for the seed planting to remove all existing vegetation and eliminate any invasive species that could potentially out-compete the native species for sunlight and resources. It is best to seek professional advice regarding the approriate use of herbicides. (See resources at the end of this section)

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Idle farm fields’ borders and corridors can often be converted to grasslands.

• Choose quality seed mixes. Native warmseason grass seed mixtures are available from a number of specialty seed companies. It is recommended that switchgrass be eliminated from the seed mix due to its aggressive nature, and tendency to produce a monoculture when planted in competition with other seeds.

• Replant with warm season grasses. Areas of vegetation should be disked again in the spring and seeded with warm-season grasses. Attention should be paid to soil type, moisture content, and slope in order to decide what grasses to plant.

Providing firmly packed soil and a weedfree seedbed necessary to successfully seed a field. After substantial growth, periodic rejuvenation such as burning, will maintain a healthy stand of grass.

• Understand seed measurement. Warm season grass seed is sold and planted, based GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 7

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upon pure live seed pounds (PLS lbs.)

This means that the gross weight of seed is increased to compensate for the inert material and dead seed in the given seed lot. The recommended seeding rate for the establishment of wildlife habitat is 6 PLS lbs./acre. The seeds will be delivered in mixtures and

Critical Factors that Affect Success of a New Grassland Seed quality Planting depth Weed control Weather

an example of a typical seeding rate follows: Big Bluestem; 3-7 PLS lbs./ acre, Little Bluestem; 4-6 PLS lbs./acre, Indiangrass; 3-7 PLS lbs./acre, Side Oats Grama grass; 6-8 PLS lbs./acre.

The seeding rate for an eastern native grass mix would be approximately 3540 lbs. per acre.

• Use a seed drill. The best method of seeding is with a no-till Truax seed drill, which will separate the different types of seed into categories and plant them according to their germination preferences. The Truax cuts through heavy sod and places seed at the proper depth, which is .25 inches for the GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 8

majority of the native warm season grasses. The planting of the seed should occur during the middle of May. • Mow carefully and protect from overgrazing.

Follow the recommendation below under “mowing” and “grazing” to maintain the grassland and provide more natural and diverse system and provide improved habitat for grassland birds.

• Be patient. Warm-season grass species take two to three years of growth to establish.

Maintenance Of Grasslands Mowing, Grazing and Burning Most grasslands in the Willistown area are disturbance-dependent. These grasslands will inevitably be replaced by shrubs and trees unless maintained by a regular cycle of disturbance. Therefore the site must be managed in a way that mimics the natural process, either by mowing, grazing or burning, or a combination thereof.

Excessive weed growth is the biggest hurdle to establishing a lush grassland that has maximum benefit to wildlife. Native grass plantings in particular may take three to five years to dominate the site, especially if weeds were not controlled during the first year after planting. During that first year of life, native grasses grow mostly below the ground as their root systems develop. Because little growth appears above ground where weeds are likely YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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rampant, many landowners become needlessly discouraged. Once the stand is established, though, periodic burning will keep it healthy.

Other methods to maintaining grasslands include strip mowing in alternating years, light grazing by livestock, and spot treatment of problem weeds or invading shrubs with a selective herbicide.

Mowing Grasslands and Open Areas When an open area is allowed to grow undisturbed, it becomes vulnerable to undesirable plants and invasives such as crabgrass, shrubs and hardwoods, which will take over and eventually transform the land into forest. In the Willistown area, such areas are likely to be overtaken by invasive species such as multiflora rose, black cherry and Norway maple. Mowing has long been used to manage grasslands as a means to suppressing invading undesirables and hardwoods Grasslands Mowing Recommendations • Timing is critical. Mowing should generally be scheduled before April 15 and after August 1, outside of the primary bird-nesting season.

• Mow at least once every two to three years in fields that are not used for high quality hay production.

• Use standardized wildlife conservation mowing practices such as raising the mower blades to at least ten inches or more, which permits the grass to recover quickly.

• Start mowing in the middle of the field, then proceed toward the outside so skulking YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

birds will not concentrate in the center of the field and get run over by machinery; this will give them a chance to flee instead.

• Slow your equipment down if adult birds are flushed while mowing your grass, to give flightless young a chance to escape.

Meadows should be mown at least once every two to three years, but avoid mowing during bird nesting season, which is between April 15 and August 1.

Hayfield Mowing Recommendations Hayfields support a rich diversity of grasses, wildflowers, and invertebrates that are important for breeding grassland birds. Old hayfields, not replanted for at least eight years, are favored by some birds, particularly Bobolinks, because of the developed ground cover and a greater variety of grasses and other plants. Mow every one to three years to maintain fields in grasses and prevent growth of woody vegetation. Timing mowing is crucial to the survival of nesting grassland birds. Early mowing in June and frequent mowing can destroy nests and young.

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• Avoid mowing areas with ground-nesting birds before August 1st. Early cutting usually destroys ground nests. It is common to see young birds in the fields by late June, but cutting should be avoided because some species, such as Savannah Sparrows and Eastern Meadowlarks, raise a second brood later in the season, and the young fledge in late July.

Locating a grassland adjacent to hayfields or pastures will make it even more attractive to wildlife.

• Be aware of where grassland birds are nesting in fields. If mowing is essential prior to August 1st (such as in fields leased to farms for hay), try to avoid areas where birds are frequently seen or to leave small patches such as edges or strips unmowed as nesting areas. When young birds appear to have left the nest, small unmowed patches are still needed to provide cover and feeding areas for the remainder of the summer until they migrate south.

• Limit mowing to every one to three years in GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 10

fields not harvested for high-quality hay.

It is not necessary to mow every year for grassland birds. Not mowing a field one year or delaying mowing until late August will allow development of lateblooming wildflowers and butterflies.

• Maintain some areas of fields with patches of bare ground. Killdeer and horned larks for example, require patches of bare ground for nesting and feeding. This can simply be in areas where grass growth is poor due to soil conditions, or in small areas intensively grazed. Bare ground can also be exposed by removing hay from fields where thatch (compressed dead grass) becomes thicker than two inches.

• Choose fields that are not used for hay production for wildlife habitat. Mowing high-quality hayfields in early June will discourage birds from nesting in those areas.

Birds that do attempt to nest in these fields will probably fail due to mowing activities. Over time, birds are not likely to return to fields where their nests were destroyed. However, if adjacent unmowed fields are available, birds can shift from high-production hayfields to those areas and renest.

• Use conservative mowing practices where possible. These may include practices such as raising mower blades to six inches or more, which may prevent the destruction of some nests and young in early mowing; avoiding night mowing because this often kills or injures roosting birds and young; using flushing YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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bars on haying equipment to move birds hiding in the grass.

• Manage multiple contiguous fields for conservation. Four adjacent fields are better than four isolated fields.

Multiple adjacent small fields can provide the “look” of a large grassland, especially if hedgerows are removed and planted in grasses. This continuous landscape is necessary for some of the region’s rarer grassland birds, such as the grasshopper sparrow and upland sandpiper, which require large grasslands. Multiple contiguous fields can be managed through rotational mowing or burning to provide a mosaic of grassland types and attract a greater diversity and abundance of grassland birds.

Grazing Small Pastures (10 – 75 acres) Grazing can benefit grassland wildlife by creating a mosaic of grass heights and structure. Many birds respond favorably to limited grazing, including killdeer and meadowlarks. However, intensive grazing leads to a loss of plant diversity and cover for wildlife. In the Northeast, the majority of grazed pastures are small and intensively grazed during the summer months, making them unsuitable for most nesting birds.

Grazing Recommendations • In grazed pastures with nesting birds, keep approximately 40 percent of the vegetative cover at a minimum height of 8 to 12 inches or at YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

“knee height,” with scattered forbes until August 1st. This can be achieved by rotating grazing animals through several fields during the growing season. Keeping some areas ungrazed during the nesting season usually improves nest success.

• Avoid overgrazing fields. Overgrazing creates excessive bare ground, which can cause erosion, reduce plant and invertebrate diversity, and lead to trampling of bird nests.

• Experiment with different grazing regimes in fields to determine the intensity of grazing and rotation that works best to provide wildlife habitat. This will vary from site to site, depending on the type of vegetation and the soil and moisture conditions.

Raising mower blades six to ten inches or more permits grass to recover quickly and encourages wildlife habitation.

Prescribed Burning Whether caused by lightning or set purposely

by Native Americans, fire helped prairies to grow by stimulating grass and wildflowers to GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 11

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reproduce, reducing competition from weeds, and discouraging the encroachment of shrubs and trees. A prescribed burn is a fire purposely set to achieve a predetermined objective.

Prescribed burns are often used today to kill or

damage to property is always the first concern when planning a fire.

Burning Recommendations • Burning every two to six years provides the best habitat for birds nesting in small grasslands. If possible, provide adjacent unburned grassland habitat for nesting birds during the year.

• Burning in early spring (before the arrival of birds in mid-May) is most beneficial to vegetation and nesting birds.

• Careful planning is necessary before burning.

Most grassland burns occur between mid-March and the end of April, after snow melt and before greening and Avoid overgrazing fields, and where possible, rotate grazing animals bird nesting. The timing of the burn through several fields during the growing season. must also be done with consideration of relative humidity, with conditions set back the growth of undesirable vegetation and direction, air temperature, and such as woody plants or noxious weeds and to fuel conditions. Burn designs must promote the regrowth of warm season plants incorporate existing firebreaks (roads, such as little bluestem. Burning helps reduce ponds, and streams), or firebreaks must buildup of dead vegetation, adds nutrients be designed. Adjacent landowners to the soil, rejuvenates plant growth, and should be notified prior to burning. helps prevent the spread of woody vegetation.

• Contact you local fire department for guidance Hayfields that develop a thick layer of thatch and permits before burning a field. are usually not used by nesting birds because Individuals trained and certified in they cannot effectively run on the ground to prescribed fires, from local universities escape predators or forage for food. or conservation organizations (see Resources at the end of this section) can These fires need to be conducted by individuals be contracted to consult and manage who are trained an experienced in fire prescribed burns. management. Before prescribed burns take place a burn plan has to be developed and burning permits secured from the local fire authorities. Safety from personal injury and GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 12

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Summary Grasslands in Pennsylvania are important ecosystems for many species of plants, birds and other wildlife. Whether you restore former grasslands, convert old fields, or create new grasslands, patience and knowledgeable maintenance are keys to success. Maintaining a grassland is a wonderful gift to the entire community, providing valuable wildlife habitat, livestock forage, and landscape diversity that is pleasing to behold.

SOURCES AND RESOURCES The information in this section was largely compiled from the following sources. Additional resources have been listed for your reference.

Askins, R. A. 2000. Restoring North America’s Birds. Lessons from Landscape Ecology. Yale University Press, New Haven & London.

Conservation Resources http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ Natural Resources Conservation Service. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ Pennsylvania Department of Conservation. Search on “native grasslands”. www.prairienursery.com Specializes in native grassland restoration and can provide assistance with grassland information.

Maintaining a grassland is a wonderful gift for the entire community.

Professional Grasslands Consultants Gary Gibert, Natural Lands Trust 215-699-1578, ggimbert@natlands.org Natural Lands Trust www.natlands.org Seed Suppliers Ernst Conservation Seeds Company www.ernstseed.com/ Revision date: March 2007

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Woodland Management

This section will become available in the future as the Woodland Management program is developed. Copies will be available for download on www.wctrust.org.

Revision date: March 2007

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Riparian Buffer Management Three hundred years ago the Willistown area was primarily forested and most of the streams were shaded by native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. As a result, the organisms that lived in the local streams were adapted to woodland conditions and thrived in the shaded waters. As the land was settled by humans, forests were cut down and replaced with agricultural fields, which led to a decline in the health of our stream ecosystems. More recently, urban development has become the major threat as people-based systems such as agriculture, housing, or industry degrade the streamside ecosystems. The areas adjacent to streams, known as riparian areas, are complex ecosystems, and the ability of these areas to function naturally is critical to the protection of water resources.

A “buffer” is an area along a waterway managed to reduce the impact of adjacent land use. A well managemed riparian buffer serves several important functions: it preserves the stream’s natural characteristics, protects water quality, and improves habitat for plants and animals on land and in the water. Riparian buffers comprised of the forested edge between the land and the water are prime habitat for a variety of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. Plants that thrive along the stream

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banks provide berries, buds, fruits and nuts, which offer a varied menu to wildlife and provide plentiful places for nesting. Moreover, the riparian buffer offers a continuous transportation corridor for the migration of plant and animal species.

A stream whose banks and waters are shaded by native trees and plants enjoys the best conditions for a healthy ecosystem. Managing these riparian areas is both a challenge and an opportunity for landowners lucky enough to have streams on their property.

In general, unforested streams tend to be narrow with unstable banks; they have less diversity and less habitat than forested streams; and their habitat is of lower quality than their forested counterparts. Shade keeps the water cooler and moderates temperature fluctuation, increasing the water’s ability to hold oxygen RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT PAGE 1

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and support life. The stream flow slows around fallen trees and branches in the stream or riverbed creating favorable areas for fish. Plant stems slow water velocity and root systems keep the soil porous, so excess water is absorbed into the ground and flooding potential is reduced.

The buffer’s capacity to hold large amounts of water allows percolation to replenish deeper water aquifers.

Why are Riparian Buffers Important?

Riparian buffers are essential to the health of our streams and rivers in a number of ways.

• Forested buffers are natural filters whereby the leaf litter on the forest floor traps sediments before they can enter the stream. In addition, the presence of trees and shrubs along a stream’s banks minimizes erosion and the effects of flooding.

• They encourage groundwater infiltration. Trees absorb more rainwater into the ground, helping to recharge groundwater supplies. Trees also convert the excess nutrients in stormwater runoff into a form that sustains the growth of the forest.

• They provide shade necessary to maintain cool water temperatures and rich oxygen levels. Native brook trout, for example, require water temperatures below 68 degrees to survive, and forested streams are as much as 10 RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT PAGE 2

degrees cooler than streams that flow through meadows. Insects, the primary food for trout, are abundant both above and in wooded streams.

• They enable the stream to grow forms of algae (i.e. diatoms) that are preferred by stream herbivores.

• They provide food in the form of leaf litter for the aquatic organisms that live in the stream, thus ensuring a rich diversity of organisms. The more diversity of life in the stream, the healthier the stream and the better it is able to process pollutants.

• They provide habitat and cover for spawning fish. Fallen trees and limbs create plunge pools, riffles and gravel beds that enable fish to rest and avoid predators.

Developing a Riparian Buffer Plan A riparian buffer management plan should be designed to: preserve existing riparian forests; expand and connect existing buffers; plant new forest buffers; and remove invasive species. It should also include planting specifications, a management plan and schedule, species lists, and sources where materials may be purchased.

The 3-Zone Buffer System The most effective riparian buffers contain three different zones of plantings as one moves away from the water’s edge. The three-zone buffer concept provides a framework for the YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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establishment and maintenance of a long-term riparian forest buffer.

Zone 1 The important structural component in Zone 1, which is next to the water’s edge, is a mixture of fast- and slow-growing native trees. Zone 1 should be an undisturbed forest area where livestock should be excluded. The trees in this zone help provide streambed and stream bank stability. Deadwood and leaf litter falling into the stream help regenerate the streambed, which is constantly changing and

eroding. This regeneration is very important to the health of the stream and to all life in the stream. The tree species near the water’s edge provide shade, cool the stream, and are selected to quickly develop deep roots that can increase bank stability. Native riparian tree YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

species are preferable because they coevolved with the stream inhabitants (See Table 1 for recommended species list). The native species tolerate wet conditions, grow quickly and, while the main trunks are flexible and sturdy, the branches are brittle. This fast growth rate and brittleness help these species withstand the periodic trauma of heavy flooding. Instead of washing away and exposing unstabilized banks to erosion, these trees will “shed” branches, which cause little damage to the main trunk stem.

In drier portions of Zone 1, hardwoods such as black walnut, red and white oak, and white ash can be planted. When the water table is at least 3 feet below ground for most of the growing season, you should plant hardwood species that require good drainage. If the site has poor RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT PAGE 3

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Table 1: Recommended Tree Species for Zone 1 & 2 American Beech Basswood Bitternut hickory Black Ash Black walnut Black willow Blackgum Green Ash Hackberry Loblolly pine Persimmon Pitch Pine Red Maple Red oak River birch Silver maple Swamp white oak Sweetgum Sycamore Tulip poplar White ash drainage, select hardwood species that are more tolerant of wet conditions such as river birch, black ash, bitternut hickory, and hackberry.

The large hardwood trees mentioned above provide a canopy as they mature. Understory trees and shrubs should be interplanted among these canopy species to provide stability for the streambank and shading next to the water.

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Zone 2 The middle zone, or Zone 2, can be trees with a combination of shrubs. Since this zone can tolerate some disturbance it can be designed for uses such as outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat. Livestock should be excluded from this zone. This zone allows the water to percolate into the soil so that waterborne nutrients/pollutants are filtered through vegetation and other ecological systems. This zone is also important as sediment is trapped

Table 2: Recommended Shrub Species for Zone 1 & 2 Arrowwood Bayberry Buttonbush Common ninebark Elderberry Grey dogwood Inkberry Maple-leaf viburnum Pinxterbloom azalea Pussy willow Red chokeberry Rosebay rhododendron Spicebush Sweetgum Swamp leucothoe Sweet pepperbush Virginia sweetspire Winterberry

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Table 3: Recommended Understory Woody Plants for Zone 1 & 2 American holly Flowering dogwood Redbud Blackhaw Hornbeam Shad-bush Boxelder Paw paw Sweet bay magnolia within the forest floor, allowing nutrients to bind to soil particles and be taken up by vegetation.

Planting a variety of tree and shrub species increases diversity and improves wildlife habitat. A mix of species can also be important if one species does not thrive or fails to grow completely.

Zone 3 Zone 3 is the zone farthest from the stream and next to another land use such as crops, pasture, or homes. This is the transition zone between the forested areas in Zones 1 and 2 and adjacent land. When carefully designed, this zone filters sediments, increases water absorption capacity, converts nutrients into green biomass, takes in nutrients, and prevents erosion. Zone 3 also provides YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

valuable food and cover for certain wildlife species. A dense, herbaceous cover with no trees or shrubs works best to slow and filter runoff. Warm and/or cool season grasses are recommended in this zone. Switchgrass is preferred because it has dense, stiff stems that remain upright throughout the seasons. This slows the overland flow of water, allowing it to infiltrate the buffer, and allowing sediment to be deposited in the buffer area. In addition, switchgrass produces an extensive and deep root system, much of which is replaced annually, providing large amounts of organic matter to the soil. Organic matter improves soil quality by increasing infiltration rates and microbial activity.

Table 4: Recommended Plants for Zone 3 Switchgrass Indiangrass Little Bluestem Black-eyed Susan Purple coneflower Butterflyweed Eastern gamagrass Lanceleaf coreopsis Where surface runoff is not a major problem, other permanent grasses can be planted, such as dense grasses and/or broad-leaved herbaceous plants and wildflowers.

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Other Planting Strategies

Width of the Buffer

Although the 3-zone method of planting provides the most effective buffer system, it is not the only approach to improving water quality, habitat, and flood control. Site conditions, surrounding land use, owner objectives, and cost requirements should be considered in determining combinations of species for a buffer. You might plant the entire buffer area with warm season grasses and forbs or you might accelerate succession by overplanting with seedlings of fast-growing species at a high enough density to provide canopy closure quickly. Tulip poplar, box elder, and silver maple are among the fastest growing trees appropriate for riparian zone.

There is no ideal buffer width for all applications in all areas. Many factors including slope, soil type, adjacent land uses, floodplain, vegetation type, watershed condition, and landowner objectives influence what should be planted. The graph shown below can give you a good idea of how wide your buffer should be depending on what your goals are. As you increase the width of your buffer, the environmental benefits improve dramatically.

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Site Preparation Often a riparian area will have a mixture of pasture, overgrown fields, and a line of branchy,

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poor quality trees along the stream. Improving this kind of buffer requires a combination of site preparation techniques. In most situations a combination of physical and herbicidal methods will be most effective and efficient.

Site preparation should begin the fall prior to planting. In some cases, site preparation can require up to a year of vegetation control prior to planting. Any necessary stream bank stabilization should to be included in the planting plan so that work can proceed in a logical order.

If the area has been used for row crops, disk the ground in the spring and seed the area where the woody material will be planted with a cover crop, such as annual rye grass or cereal rye. Since a good cover is essential, cool season grasses such as field bromegrass and tall fescue are often appropriate. These grasses are not invasive, do not require mowing, and will be shaded out and eventually eliminated by the woody plants.

and extent of infestation by invasives.

Techniques include spraying basal bark herbicides during the dormant season, cutting large shrubs and vines and treating the stumps to prevent resprouting, and mowing everything around the “keepers� after they have leafed out in late spring. Larger cut stumps may also require an application of an herbicide to control resprouting.

Plant Materials One-to two-year-old seedlings of most tree and shrub species, or rooted or unrooted cuttings of willow can be obtained from various forest nurseries. Order plants early to get desired species and type of planting stock.

In pasture-type situations, herbicides are sometimes used in 3 to 4 foot-wide circles or strips where trees or shrubs will be planted.

Problem species, such as multiflora rose and honeysuckle, will still need to be additionally controlled by cutting or pulling.

Abandoned fields of varying ages already have tree saplings, shrubs, and vines. In this situation site preparation focuses on releasing the desired saplings and other plants from competition by undesired species. Release methods vary according to the target species YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

Good riparian buffer management contributes to a healthy stream ecosystem, to be enjoyed by all creatures.

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Seeds should be ordered as PLS (Pure Live Seed) to ensure that you are paying for and planting only live seed, not inert material.

Plant trees and shrubs as soon as possible after you receive them. If planting must be delayed, keep plants cool and moist. Always use high quality stock with good root systems.

seeding of warm season grasses can only be accomplished with clean seed. This means at least 75 % PLS.

Prevent Deer Damage The best way to protect your seedlings from deer browse is to construct temporary fences around groups of plantings, with each fencedin area no larger than 10’ x 10’. A cost effective and relatively easy way to complete this is to use 2 x 4” mesh welded wire fence x 6’ high, which should be staked with metal posts. This will enable you to protect larger areas from deer at minimal cost. Without enclosing your plantings, you are risking the loss of your plant material.

Maintenance The Willistown area enjoys several beautiful creeks and tributaries which benefit from riparian buffer management, including this section of the Crum Creek.

Weed control is essential for the survival and rapid growth of trees and shrubs in a buffer.

Options include 4 to 6 inches of organic mulch, weed control fabrics, shallow cultivation Trees and shrubs should be planted in early and mowing. Non-chemical weed control spring. Before planting, soak rooted cuttings techniques are preferred because chemicals can in water for 2 to 4 hours and unrooted cuttings quickly enter the water system in riparian areas. for 24 hours. Root collars of seedlings should Continue weed control until woody plants be slightly below the soil surface. Make sure occupy the area, normally 2 to 3 years. For plant holes are closed and the soil around the more information about weed control, see the root or cutting is firm. For unrooted cuttings, Invasive Species Management section of this guide. plant deep enough to leave only 1 or 2 buds above ground.

Long-term Management

Grass and forb seeds may be broadcast using a spinner-type seeder or a drop-seeder. Because of the light, fluffy nature of the seed broadcast RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT PAGE 8

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wildlife habitat benefits. They should be inspected at least once a year, and always within a few days of severe storms for evidence of sediment deposit, erosion, or concentrated flow channels. Repairs should be made as soon as possible.

Grasses should be harvested, burned, or in some instances, can be control grazed. The use of fast-growing tree species ensures rapid growth and the effective removal of nutrients and other excess chemicals that could pollute waterways. Harvesting fast-growing trees as early as possible removes the nutrients and chemicals stored in their woody stems.

Finally, if possible, avoid working in the riparian area between April 15 and August 15. During this period, disturbance can be detrimental to a variety of wildlife, as this is the peak breeding season.

SOURCES AND RESOURCES The information in this section was largely compiled from the following sources.

Additional resources have been listed for your reference.

The Stroud Water Research Center: www. stroudcenter.org Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: http://www.acbonline.org/ Chesapeake Bay Foundation: http://www. chesapeakebay.net/forestbuffer.htm Center for Watershed Protection: http://www. cwp.org/ Connecticut River Joint Commissions: http:// www.crjc.org/riparianbuffers.htm Forest Service: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/ pubs/n_resource/buffer/cover.htm Maryland Cooperative Extension: http://www. riparianbuffers.umd.edu/ Natural Resources Conservation Service/ Pennsylvania Stream Relief: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/buffers/

Revision date: March 2007

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Wetland Management It was not too long ago that many people considered wetlands to be wastelands. It was common practice to dredge, drain or fill them in order to make way for development and construction. We know now that wetlands are unique areas that need care and protection.

Scientists, ecologists and environmentalists agree that wetlands are among our most valuable natural resources. In addition to providing recreational opportunities for birdwatchers, hunters, hikers, photographers, canoeists, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, wetlands are among the most biologically diverse and productive landscape types.

Filter sediment ~ Wetlands function as nature’s kidneys to filter pollutants and sediments from surface water. As they filter and collect sediment from runoff water, wetlands help to prevent mud from clogging lakes and reservoirs farther downstream.

Wetlands have long been underrated for their many values. They are just now becoming better understood. Among those values: Habitat for wildlife ~ Wetlands are prime habitat for breeding, nesting, feeding and cover for invertebrates, insects, amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl, songbirds, and mammals.

Wetlands attract a variety of wildlife such as this Great Blue Heron.

Reduce soil erosion ~ Wetlands, acting like huge sponges, slow the overland flow of water Water quality ~ The cleansing power of wetlands and reduce soil erosion along water courses provides natural pollution control by removing downstream. agricultural chemicals and nutrients. They can Reduce flooding ~ Wetlands store rain water also be an efficient alternative for sewage and temporarily, allowing it to percolate into the animal waste treatment. ground or evaporate. The temporary storage YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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surface to affect the soils and the type of reduces peak water flow. A one-acre wetland holding water to a depth of one foot, will store plants that can grow there. Sites with soggy, saturated soils but no standing water can also 330,000 gallons of water. be wetlands. A wetland does not have to be “wet” all of the time—only during part of Enjoy the outdoors ~ Wetlands are ideal places to hunt, watch wildlife, take photographs and just the year. The presence of water results in a lack of oxygen in spaces between soil particles. relax and enjoy nature.

Wetland or “hydric” soils develop under such saturated conditions, and wetland or Economics ~ Collectively the benefits listed “hydrophytic” vegetation, grows in these types above have a significantly positive economic of soils. impact.

Swamps have saturated soils, may have standing water during part of the year, and are dominated by water-tolerant trees such as silver maple, red maple, and black ash. Buttonbush, alder, willow, and red-osier dogwood are shrub species that often grow in swamps. Types of swamps include bottomland forests on floodplains, conifer swamps, and dense shrub swamps.

Wetlands act like huge sponges, slowing the overland flow of water and reducing soil erosion such as that shown above.

Marsh is another type of wetland covered periodically by standing or slow-moving water.

Soft-stemmed plants such as cattails, sedges, and rushes dominate a marsh’s nutrient-rich soils.

Types of Wetlands

Wet meadows are similar to marshes in Wetlands vary greatly depending on how much that they also contain grass-like vegetation. water is present, how long water is present, how However, these wetlands typically have only seasonally saturated soils and little or no the water got there, the type of soil, and the standing water. kinds of vegetation present. The distribution, movement, amount, and seasonal availability of water influences wetland systems. Wetlands Seasonal wetlands are shallow, temporary wetlands that can have standing water from have enough water on or near the ground WETLAND MANAGEMENT PAGE 2

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late winter through early spring. Examples are seeps, which usually provide a year-round source of water, and vernal pools, which vary in size from a few square feet to over an acre.

These wetlands can be important for breeding and migrant waterfowl, amphibians, and other wildlife.

The cleansing power of wetlands provides natural pollution control.

Recognizing a Wetland Some wetlands, such as swamps and marshes, are obvious to most people. Others, like seasonal wetlands or bogs, are not as easily recognized because they may dry out during part of the year or simply do not look very wet. Remember that all wetlands have three things in common and the presence of these may indicate that you have a wetland on your property.

Evidence of Hydrology • Standing or flowing water for seven or more consecutive days during the YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

growing season.

• Waterlogged soil: Determined by digging a 12-inch-deep hole and then checking for water in the hole; or by looking for soil that glistens with water; or squeezing water from a handful of soil.

• Water marks on trees or small piles of debris lodged in trees or piled against other objects in the direction of water movement near river systems.

Wetland Soils • Check for a blue or gray color about a foot below the surface.

• Look for organic matter such as peat or muck.

• Smell the soil for an odor like rotten eggs, which indicates the presence of sulfur in a low oxygen environment.

Wetland Vegetation More than 5,000 different plants grow in wetlands. Some common wetland plants to look for include: • Water lilies, cattails, arrowhead, smartweed, pondweed and other plants in standing water.

• Grasses such as reed canary grass or rushes and sedges.

• Trees such as willow, silver and red maple, red cedar, pin oak, and elm.

• Shrubs such as buttonbush and red-osier dogwood.

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Are there former wetlands on my property?

Should I Protect, Enhance, Or If you can answer “yes” to the following Create A Wetland? questions, it is quite possible that you may have a drained wetland that can be restored: Wetlands should be preserved whenever possible. Natural wetlands, which developed over thousands of years, are hard to duplicate because of their complexity. Preserving those that are not currently being drained or altered by humans is often the best way to maintain existing wetland functions, including wildlife habitat. Recognize, however, that wetlands are a dynamic system that will change with time.

A monarch caterpillar is one of many creatures that thrive in a wetland environment.

• Are there depressions or low areas on your property that are drained with tile, pipes or ditches?

• Are vegetation changes readily visible in the field? For example, do you have patches of stressed or drowned crops or other vegetation?

• Do patches of wetland plants such as cattails, sedges, smartweeds, or red-osier dogwood occur in your fields?

Those wetlands that have been dredged, drained, filled, or otherwise altered offer an opportunity for restoration. Blocking a ditch or removing a portion of a field tile line may be all that is needed to restore water, which will help to germinate aquatic plant seeds lying dormant in the soil. Remember, a restored wetland need not hold water all year long; in fact, many do not. Temporary wetlands are usually less than two feet deep and often retain water for only a few weeks each spring.

“Enhancement” of an existing wetland can improve wetland functions. Enhancement efforts may include varying water depths; mowing, burning, or planting with native species; removing nuisance plants; adding nest structures and other habitat improvements.

Creating new wetlands be beneficial, but this may be both difficult and expensive depending on site characteristics. Often created wetlands

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do not function correctly and result in failed projects. It is hard to duplicate the complexity of natural wetland systems.

Remember that wetlands can influence, and are influenced by, what goes on around them.

The type and amount of vegetation around a wetland can greatly affect its value for wildlife, and how the wetland performs other functions. Having clear goals along with a sitespecific plan is the key to successful wetland management.

Wetlands are among the most biologically diverse and productive landscape types.

Best Management Practices for Wetland Protection • Avoid draining or filling wetlands promote compatible uses, such as waterfowl and wildlife habitat.

• When landscaping near a wetland area, plant native grasses or trees to protect water quality.

• Whenever practical, avoid locating roads near wetlands.

• Activities involving heavy equipment in or near wetlands should occur on frozen ground during the winter to minimize damage to wetland plants.

• Do not throw yard waste (clippings, weeds, leaves, etc.) into a wetland.

• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, especially near a wetland.

• Avoid application of lawn care products within the watershed of a wetland.

• Do not discharge pollutants into storm drains including waste oils and litter.

• Properly locate septic systems so that the drain field seepage avoids the wetland.

• Avoid wetlands when developing or improving a site. Get technical assistance from your state environmental agency (www.epa.gov ) if you feel you must alter a wetland.

• Provide erosion and sediment control during construction near a wetland.

• Maintain wetlands and adjacent buffer strips as open space.

• Many wetlands are found near or adjacent to streams. Protecting riparian areas (see riparian buffer management section) may benefit both the stream and wetlands associated with the stream.

• To construct a wetland, learn how by visiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/ .

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How Should You Manage Your Wetland?

Construction, grading, fertilization and other changes to the land surrounding wetlands may increase the flow of water and pollutants to wetlands, overwhelming their ability to function and remain healthy. Landowners can manage their land in a way that protects wetlands to avoid these negative effects.

SOURCES AND RESOURCES The information in this section was largely compiled from the following sources. Additional resources have been listed for your reference. http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/ : EPA’s Wetland Home Page. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wlhabitat/ aquatic/wetlands.htm : DCNR’s Wetland Home Page. www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp : USDA’s Wetland Reserve Program

Little green heron are attracted to Willistown area wetlands.

What regulations apply?

Because of their ecological importance, wetland manipulations are regulated by local, state, or federal laws. Check with your township or other local government office to see if there is a wetland protection ordinance that applies to your property.

www.aswm.org : The Association of State Wetland Managers www.nwrc.usgs.gov : USGS National Wetlands Resource Center

Summary Wetlands are very complex systems that offer a variety of benefits to both people and wildlife.

There are many types of wetlands that are each dependent on local hydrology, hydric soils, and wetland vegetation. Wetlands should be protected or restored whenever possible.

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Pond Management There are an increasing number of small, manmade ponds now dotting the landscape in the Willistown area. These small ponds serve a range of functions from recreational fishing to water supplies for livestock to storm water management and aesthetic enhancement. In addition, they provide habitat for a diverse community of plant and animal species, and they modify water flow and water quality within the landscape.

Most ponds in Willistown are relatively small and shallow. As a result, most of these ponds are nutrient-rich, often heavily impacted by polluting nutrient inputs, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, from surrounding land uses.

The most important problem created by excess nutrients is the excessive growth of algae and

aquatic plants. This excessive algal or plant growth affects a wide range of other ecosystem properties, including water chemistry and fish. Although sources of nutrients are often difficult to control, a variety of management options are available for controlling algal and plant growth.

For many landowners in the Willistown area, maintaining a healthy pond is a challenging task. This is because ponds contain a complex aquatic ecosystem that can be imbalanced by livestock, waterfowl, warming of the water temperature, or runoff from surrounding lands.

Preliminary Assessment And Monitoring Typically about two acres or less in size, ponds in the Willistown area occur within watersheds of varying size, land use and topography.

Maintaining a healthy pond is a challenging task but will benefit a diverse community of plant and animal species.

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A useful first step before considering any form of pond management is to research available data about the watershed that drains to your pond. Understanding the land uses that contribute runoff to the pond provide an awareness of potential impacts to the pond.

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needed to delineate your watershed boundaries Watershed Protection are available from the Chester County Planning Commission (http://dsf.chesco.org/planning/ Water quality in a pond depends on inputs site/default.asp?planningNav=|) . from the watershed including: the volume and rate of water flow; dissolved nutrients (which Pond owners with the interest can develop a directly control the growth of algae and aquatic simple monitoring program to record seasonal plants); and soil particles (which become pond and yearly trends in water quality and in the sediments). occurrence of particular plant and animal species. Pond testing kits are available on the Nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, internet (type in keywords “pond test kit�), are often the biggest concern regarding water or by calling a local nursery or landscaping quality, as high concentrations in ponds organization specializing in pond maintenance. typically lead to excessive algal or aquatic plant growth. Nitrogen and phosphorous originate from a variety of land uses within the watershed. The NPK formula in lawn and agricultural fertilizers, for example, refers to the relative amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium being added. Domestic sewage is typically high in both nitrogen and phosphorus, and septic drain fields release substantial quantities of both to groundwater which may ultimately enter the pond. Rainfall is a major source of nitrogen (but not Chemical fertilizers and septic drain fields release substantial quantities phosphorus) in southeast Pennsylvania. of nutrients which can contribute to excessive algea growth in ponds.

Reading about small pond management and the ecology of small ponds, as provided in the West Chester University report listed in the resources box at the end of this section, will help your understanding of how ponds function as ecosystems and lead you to informed management decisions.

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Inputs of water, sediments and dissolved nutrients may all change over time. For example, heavy rains during the growing season in some years may greatly increase nutrient loading to the pond, causing unusual amounts of algal growth. New housing construction, if proper erosion controls are not followed, may contribute enough sediment in a short time via surface runoff to substantially impair pond water function. And increased housing density YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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may lead directly to pond problems through inputs of nutrients from septic tanks and fertilized lawns.

Maintaining Standpipes And Dams Water levels in most ponds in the Willistown area are controlled by standpipes, which are typically installed at the surface of a pond, forcing water to drain through the pipe when it reaches the overflow level. A frequently encountered problem in older ponds is corrosion or clogging of the standpipe with debris, leading to persistently high water levels and erosion of exposed bank sediments. A small expenditure in fixing an old standpipe can delay the much larger expense of dredging eroded sediments from the pond basin. The addition of a screen at the pipe opening should be considered.

When water levels are controlled by an earthen dam, inspection and any needed maintenance of the dam should be, at least, an annual event.

Unlike most of the shoreline, the dam should be maintained as mowed grass. Trees and shrubs are best kept off of the earthen dam embankment as the root systems will weaken the strength of the dam and its ability to hold the water in the pond. Any damage caused by burrowing animals should be repaired for the same reason.

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Discouraging Canada Geese Since they first became established in Pennsylvania in the 1930s, resident Giant Canada geese have undergone rapid increases in population size. Giant Canada geese differ from migratory Canada geese in size (they are nearly 50 percent heavier) and in their yearround residency. They have been identified as a major problem by landowners because of the damage caused by feeding on lawns and by the abundance of feces and feathers. A particular

Recipe for excess algae: A fertilized lawn directly abutting a pond is a habitat highly preferred by Canada geese.

problem to pond management is the excessive quantities of nutrients produced by goose feces.

A fertilized lawn, providing high quality grazing and directly abutting a pond that provides refuge from predators, is a habitat highly preferred by Canada geese. Riparian POND MANAGEMENT PAGE 3

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buffer strips of natural vegetation, especially bushes, can greatly lessen the attractiveness of a pond by physically impeding movement of geese from land to water and providing the threat of harboring potential predators. Trees surrounding smaller ponds also make landings and take-offs more difficult.

The use of monofilament line stretched across the pond in a 10’ X 10’ grid pattern several feet above the water has been used as an effect geese deterrent.

Ponds contain a complex aquatic ecosystem that can be imbalanced by livestock, waterfowl, warming of the water temperature, or runoff from surrounding lands.

Herding dogs are increasingly used with success to keep ponds free of geese. Border Collies herd geese without touching them, and have proven to be both effective and humane at the Protecting the Shoreline task. Some of the other sheep-herding breeds have been used effectively, too, including The shoreline is the interface between the Australian and Belgian Shepherds. land and in-pond processes, and its protection is a major component of pond management.

Protection of the shoreline from erosion reduces the suspended particles and nutrients from entering the water .

Establishing riparian buffer strips of vegetation along the shoreline to replace mowed lawn may be the most important strategy to improve pond water quality.

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Establishing riparian buffer strips of vegetation along the shoreline to replace mowed lawn (currently the predominant riparian land use in Chester County) may be the most important strategy to improve pond water quality. A riparian buffer zone of natural meadow, shrubs or trees improves sediment and nutrient retention, enhances wildlife habitat and discourages Canada geese. The property manager at a farm in East Bradford Township recently replaced two acres of mowed grass YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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with wildflowers. The initial cost of $1,400 for seeding was recouped within approximately one year by reduced mowing expenses, and the profusion of wildflowers enhanced the setting. thrive in your pond ecosystem, and ultimately enhance the value of your pond.

SOURCES AND RESOURCES The information in this section was summarized from a recent collaborative study report led

by West Chester University: Ecologically Based Small Pond Management (Fairchild and Velinsky, 2004).

Copies are available from The Chester County Conservation District office, who also provides a free Pond Management Packet upon request: http://dsf.chesco.org/water/site/ default.asp (select “pond management” from the sidebar).

Additional Resources North American Lake Management Society: http://www.nalms.org/index.html Phone: 608-233-2836 Pennsylvania Lake Management Society: http://www.palakes.org Phone: 717-772-5651 Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension, with links to other pond management websites: http://fish.dnr.cornell.edu/Pond/otherresources.htm?otherresourcesdoc.htm~mainFrame Veterinary Partner - Goose Dogs http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2124&S=1&SourceID=47

Revision date: March 2007

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Deer Management The mass of preserved land in the Willistown area (6,000 acres and growing!) provides the Willistown Conservation Trust with a unique opportunity to promote good land management practices throughout our countryside. In that regard, the overabundance of white-tailed deer in the Trust program area is the greatest management challenge we have.

The excessive number of deer threatens the natural resources, human health and quality of life of our community in the following ways: 1. Too many deer destroy native wildflowers, tree seedlings, woodland understory vegetation and other habitat upon which birds and other wildlife depend for both food and shelter.

2. Too many deer destroy millions of dollars worth of residential landscaping each year.

3. Too many deer cause extensive damage to farm crops.

4. Too many deer are responsible for the growing proliferation of deer fences.

5. Too many deer cause the spread of Lyme disease in humans and other animals.

6. Too many deer are the cause of numerous automobile accidents.

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Excessive deer browsing significantly damages the forest understory, causing the loss of native plants, animals and birds.

Recognizing the urgent need for a solution to the deer dilemma, the Trust has committed to create and implement a deer management program that will ultimately result in bringing the local deer herd back into balance with the natural resources of our area. To this end we will be consulting with a number of partners including our colleagues at Audubon Pennsylvania; natural resource specialists; township, county and state officials; and other land trusts.

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Specific Strategies Of The Future Willistown Conservation Trust Deer Management Program 1. Identifying and mapping a deer management focal area.

2. Contacting landowners within the focal area to register with our program and to create a data base of information.

3. Communicating with landowners and hunters within the focal area as to the need to increase the pace of deer management.

4. Working with landowners and hunters to implement and monitor a plan to reduce the herd using traditional hunting methods.

We realize that reaching the “vision” of bringing the local deer population back into balance with nature will not be easy nor will it happen overnight, but we believe that, with the help and support of the remarkable Willistown community, it can be done. We encourage your questions and comments and will keep you apprised as the deer management program is refined over the next few months.

This section will be updated in the future as the Trust’s Deer Management program is developed. Copies will be available for download on www.wctrust.org.

Revision date: March 2007

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Appendix A - Invasive Plants Norway Maple

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

(Acer platanoides) Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org Paul Wray, Iowa State University, www.forestryimages.org

Paul Wray, Iowa State University, www.forestryimages.org

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Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

Russian Olive

www.invasive.org

www.invasive.org

Britt Slattery, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, www.forestryimages.org

(Elaeagnus angustifolia)

James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org

Paul Wray, Iowa State University, www.forestryimages.org Barry Rice, sarracenia.com, www.forestryimages.org

APPENDIX A - INVASIVE PLANTS PAGE 2

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

W I L L I S T O W N C O N S E RVAT I O N T RU S T

Autumn Olive

Winged Euonymus

(Elaeagnus umbellata)

(Euonymus alata)

James R. Allison, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, www. forestryimages.org James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org

Jerry Gibson, Deer Park, AL, www.forestryimages.org

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org

APPENDIX A - INVASIVE PLANTS PAGE 3

W I L L I S T O W N C O N S E RVAT I O N T RU S T

Tartarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica)www.invasive.org Chris Evans, University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org

Multiflora Rose (Rosa Multiflora) www.invasive.org james H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www forestryimages.org

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Resource Management Archives, Patrick Breen, Oregon State University, www.forestryimages.org

APPENDIX A - INVASIVE PLANTS PAGE 4

USDI National Park Service, www.forestryimages.org

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

W I L L I S T O W N C O N S E RVAT I O N T RU S T

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)

Chris Evans, University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org

Steve Dewey, Utah State University, www.forestryimages.org

Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, , www.forestryimages.org

Chris Evans, University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

APPENDIX A - INVASIVE PLANTS PAGE 5

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Japanese Stilt Grass (microstegium vimineum) Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, www.forestryimages.org

Chris Evans, University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org

Chris Evans, University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org

Chris Evans, University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org

APPENDIX A - INVASIVE PLANTS PAGE 6

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

W I L L I S T O W N C O N S E RVAT I O N T RU S T

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum Salicaria, Lythrum virgatum)

Porcelain Berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)

John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, www.forestryimages.org Jil M. Swearingen, USDI National Park Service, www.forestryimages.org

Jil M. Swearingen, USDI National Park Service, www.forestryimages.org David Cappaert, , www.forestryimages.org

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

APPENDIX A - INVASIVE PLANTS PAGE 7

W I L L I S T O W N C O N S E RVAT I O N T RU S T

Oriental Bittersweet

Japanese Honeysuckle

(Celastrus orbiculatus)

(Lonicera japonica)

James R. Allison, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, www.Forestryimages.

Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, www. org

forestryimages.org

James R. Allison, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, www. forestryimages.org

APPENDIX A - INVASIVE PLANTS PAGE 8

Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, www.forestryimages.org

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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Mile-a-minute (polygonum perfoliatum) Yun Wu, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

APPENDIX A - INVASIVE PLANTS PAGE 9

W I L L I S T O W N C O N S E RVAT I O N T RU S T

Appendix B - Native Grasses Andropogon gorardii (Big bluestem)

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

www.southwestmsu.edu/

www.southwestmsu.edu

www.bluestem.ca www.bluestem.ca

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

APPENDIX B - NATIVE GRASSES PAGE 1

W I L L I S T O W N C O N S E RVAT I O N T RU S T

Sorhastrum nutans (Indian Grass)

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

www.southwestmsu.edu/ www.Bluestem.ca

www.bluestem.ca www.Bluestem.ca

APPENDIX B - NATIVE GRASSES PAGE 2

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

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Virginia Wild-rye (Elymus virginicus)

YOUR LAND, YOUR LEGACY A MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LANDOWNERS

APPENDIX B - NATIVE GRASSES PAGE 3