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Phase II - AFT Regenerative Virginia Healthy Soils Grant

Phase II: Pollinator area and southern woodlands

THE WORK:

The pollinator area is the long strip of eroded land that starts in the center of the field and extends south to the woodland area. Years of neglect resulted severe erosion and the loss of topsoil. This phase of the project restores the topsoil, adds vegetation for foraging and a pollinator area. Christmas trees, loblolly pines, and chestnut trees will provide additional stabilization on both the east and west sides of the target area.

The woodland area will undergo final cleaning and topsoil management. Paths will be created to support foot traffic and hay-ride traffic for farm tours and educational events.

RESULTS:

Results to date are VERY favorable! Initial efforts to restore the soil resulted in the growth of several wild pollinators (identification TBD) and plenty of weeds. This was an area where not even a weed would grow. The addition of leaves, compost, and biochar from the final organic debris burn planned for December 2025 should significantly stabilize the area and provide enough organic matter to hold moisture and sustain native plant growth.

Christmas trees, sugar maples, and foraging areas are thriving in their first year - in spite of the June drought. They are providing soil stabilization and increasing wildlife diversity.

We are also pleased to say that we are seeing the return of quail to this area!!!

WHAT'S NEXT:

Scheduled for December 2025 -