Friends of the Forest
KNC’s sugarbush is an area of beech-maple forest along the rolling glacial topography of our Fern Valley Trail. While not old growth, this area has still been a key feature of KNC’s trails and programs for generations. This area is not far from the forests whose protection inspired KNC’s initial formation as an organization in 1960.
The nature center has provided maple sugaring programs to the public in these forests since 1965. Sadly, these forests are also very vulnerable to invasive pests, like the emerald ash borer, and climate change. Over the last decade, these forests lost hundreds of ash trees, leading to a proliferation of autumn olive and honeysuckle growth. This kind of disturbance outcompetes the regeneration of native plants and threatens the forest’s resilience over time.
Acre by acre, restoration of this space is possible and promising. The team has been working to remove invasive shrubs, clear away woody debris, and make room for reforestation. Starting in 2020, KNC staff, volunteers, and Heronwood students planted over 60 trees and shrubs in this area with the goal of diversifying the forest canopy and protecting the programs of KNC’s future. Last fall, these partners planted another 100 trees, adding both species and genetic diversity. This restoration project fits with many of the goals in KNC’s broader sustainability plans, helping to maintain the health of our forests, enhance our forest’s recovery after disturbance, and boost the forest’s ability to take in carbon over time.
You can help! KNC has big plans to continue the management of the previously restored acres and expand the plantings further. We have a goal of raising $16,000 to cover all expenses for this year’s work. Support our Friends of the Forest giving program to celebrate your special event, honor a loved one, or simply invest in healthy future forests. Become a Friend of the Forest today.
FRIENDS OF THE FOREST GIVING PROGRAM: For each individual donation of $500+ (Grove level and above), you will receive a commemorative nameplate on the Friends of the Forest Tree Cookie Wall, located on the Sugar Shack. These make a wonderful tribute or memorial to a special person or to commemorate at a special event.
Steward Level – $5,000+ and nameplate on the Sugar Shack’s Tree Cookie Wall
Woodland Level – $1000 and nameplate on the Sugar Shack’s Tree Cookie Wall
Grove Level – $500 and nameplate on the Sugar Shack’s Tree Cookie Wall
Overstory Level – $250
Understory Level – $100
Sapling Level – $50
Seedling Level – $25