I'm sure any of you that have done plotting for more than 2 days, now pay attention to every tree, plant, weed, etc as you drive down the road, walk across your yard, and work your land. It is an addiction that can wake you in the middile of the night with planning. I went on my annual fall pilgrimage hike into the Highlands of WV this past several days. If anything teaches me, it is nature itself and how she does her foodplotting with no help from man for the most part. If you follow me much, you see I am quite an advocate of perhaps the presence of mature growth can provide the best habitat for a multitude of animals. Granted, if you only want to promote a certain species, then thots are different, but in my mind I like the intricate connection of each plant and animal with each other as a whole. Certainly some try my patience, but often if given the chance, your eyes can be opened in ways you did not realize.
Anyways, time was spent mostly 5000 feet in mature Northern Spruce thickets blanketed in thick rhodendron, to down into mixed hardwood growth. Much of this area had been abused late 1800's for the following 30 years. As erosion and fire took its toll, nature began her reclaim, providing a mix of nearly year round food for a great many animals. Along this hike we saw everything from numerous hawks and eagles, bear, snowshoe hare, deer, and almost anything you could name large and small.
As you can see at this beaver pond, Nature has been no tilling for decades. Everything from Chokeberries, to Blackberries, to Blueberries along with many plants I have no knowledge of. The ground is softer than your bedroom carpet, a layer of moss and rebuilding soil that feels at best just as a sponge. All of which collects and retains water in drought, yet holds and retains water in flood conditions. Isn't this the very OM and healthy mixture of soil we strive for in our plots. Not sure it can be optimum if we choose monoculture plantings. Yes, it will work now, but what of generations to come?
Here a field of ferns and Cotton Weed or Feather Fleece. Pretty cool to see. Reminds me of the cotton fields of the South in the fall. She's replanting here and wherever the wind and animals chooses, isn't she? Can you really kill all your so called weeds that aggravate you? Not unless you are in a bubble.
Pretty rocky travel in places, the trail is to the right. If you never been in virgin Spruce before, try to experience it. This is one of the most open shots I could get. Virgin soil beneath? Nope you must look closer.
See, soil building in action, breaking down over time to compost. You know those rocks that seem to grow in your fields? It happens because you soil is eroded by wind and water and add to that compaction, which brings forth those rocks as you try and manipulate your soils. These pics are perfect examples, most of the rocks were covered by 3-6 feet of humus before the soil was destroyed a century ago, and it is still working to recover, if ever . What are you doing to your soil and plant life? Good , Bad, I don't know, you can answer.
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