Old Farm Ecology and Conservation

On bright, breezy June 15, 27 people listened as John Smith explained the conservation principles and practices of ChicoryLane, an old property surveyed 1766, farmed 1790s-2000s, and conserved 2017. John outlined a 5-step conservation method emphasizing wildlife beneficial plantings. To see the approach and method applied, participants walked and talked with James Lesher in ChicoryLane’s wet woods, meadows, and along waterways. Signs identified native and non-native beneficial shrubs and trees as well as less-beneficial invasives. As participants relaxed with bag lunches, Greg Williams and Cynthia Potter gave out free native trees and shrubs provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s project to plant 10 million trees in Pennsylvania and explained how to order more.

Images from the Day

PHOTOS ABOVE

• John talks with participants as ChicoryLane's website (chicorylane.com) and Loanne Snavley's ChicoryLane photographs show in the background.
• Participant learns plant ID by photographing a shrub with its sign.
• Simple signs identify plants by botanical and common name.

PHOTOS ABOVE

• A non-native crack willow tree is habitat for multiple, diverse insects, birds, squirrels.
• Tall wire cages protect tender young shrubs from deer browsing.
• Participants take home native shrubs and trees distributed by Interfaith Power and Light for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Photos from the ChicoryLane Collection

Artists Interpret Place in Plein Air Painting Workshop

Plein-Air is a French term that means "out of doors" and refers to the practice of painting landscapes outdoors. The term can also refer to the goal of creating an intense impression of the open air in a landscape painting.

ChicoryLane hosted a Plein-Air workshop conducted by regional artist and experienced art educator Elody Gyekis. The participants were given instruction on the theory, craft and methods of Plein-Air and then observed Elody show by example (left, top). The participants were then instructed to choose a view of ChicoryLane to try their hand and receive coaching (left, bottom).

Photos from the ChicoryLane Collection

Propagating Native Plants

Glowing purple blooms of tall, leggy ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) shines in late summer/early fall at ChicoryLane (photo, right) and around Penns and Brush Valley. Look for it in seeps and other wet places with full sun. James Lesher collected its seeds last fall, covered them with potting soil for winter outside, then potted the resulting hundreds of seedlings in early summer (photos below). They’ll develop strong roots in a shady spot under tree canopy this summer and in fall they’ll be planted in the wet, sunny conditions they like. Expect an outstanding show in Septembers to come!

"Walking Willow" at ChicoryLane in Summer

ChicoryLane is an ecological reserve near Spring Mills, protected by a Conservation Easement held by Clearwater Conservancy. It is 68 acres of very diverse lands that we are actively enhancing ecologically. We hold outdoor events throughout the year.

The landscape is natural, but scenic. It includes wetlands and meadows, several streams, remnant and successional forests, and a grassland. This diversity of habitats is especially inviting to birds and butterflies. A system of mowed trails makes most of it accessible to walkers.

If you wish to visit ChicoryLane, email us a request including the time, date, and number in your group.

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