Site of Sugar Maple Infestation before
After cleanup
Even though sugar maples are not an exotic species, this situation is a perfect example of how a monoculture threatens the diversity of wildlife, devalues the quality of the habitat and of our own personal lives. With the aggressive nature of the sugar maples, the oak and hickory trees struggled to survive and many died in the shade cast by the maple trees. The project which began in December 2008, lasted approximately three weeks, and resulted in the planting of nearly 20 different types of wildflowers and five different native grasses. Long-term management for this site will consist of woodland burns which will allow a variety of native plants the best chance at survival. Today the site is flourishing and attracting new species of wildlife by providing a variety of shelter and food.