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Healthy Forests Coming Soon! Ecological Restoration at Donegal Highlands
Natural areas are impacted by historical use, the introduction of invasive species, and the lack of ecological disturbance. Donegal Highlands Nature Preserve has all three: an agricultural history, patches of abundant invasive shrubs, and the absence of disturbance.
These factors have resulted in an even-aged forest stand that has little forest layer stratification (and thus little above-ground habitat structural diversity) and a lopsided abundance of early successional tree species. The preserve encompasses patches of woods dominated by invasive shrubs, contributing to minimal young tree growth and decreased biodiversity. Additionally, woody vegetation is expanding into the preserve's herbaceous meadow ecosystems. Ecosystem services like the production of clean water, clean air, decomposition, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and food crop pollination suffer as a result.
It’s going to take a lot of work to restore this 112-acre preserve. This hike will explore the basics of eco restoration and will use the restoration plans established for the Donegal Highlands preserve as examples of ecological restoration.
We will meet at Trolley Line Park and hike into the meadow at Donegal Highlands to explore the concept of succession, invasion ecology, and plans to restore the meadow. We will then continue into the woods to explore the Donegal Highlands forest health and forest management methods planned to restore species diversity, forest canopy structure, and forest climate resilience, along with the ecologically significant diabase rock outcrop that occupies the center of the preserve.
Where to Meet: Old Trolley Line Park, 475 Beverly Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
What to Expect: Recommended for ages 15 and up. This will be a moderate 2-mile hike through rough, uneven terrain. The hike will be entirely off trail through recently restored parts of the meadow and forest. It will be muddy and rocky.
What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.
About the Hike Leader: Keith Williams is the Vice President for Engagement and Education for Lancaster Conservancy. Keith is an environmental educator, naturalist, writer, and photographer. He has a BS in Environmental Biology from Kutztown University and MS in Ecological Teaching and Learning from the Lesley University Audubon Expedition Institute. Keith was the founding Director of Education and is the past Executive Director of the NorthBay Education Foundation, one of the largest outdoor education programs in the US. He has served on the National Social Emotional Learning in Environmental Education Working Group, was appointed to the Maryland Governors Environmental Literacy Committee, and served on the Board of the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education for 12 years.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2135030-0
