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March 29, 2011
To the Editor:
We’d like to tell the community about our environmental work in the forest at the Grail in Cornwall-on-Hudson. As stewards of this land since 1963 we feel a great responsibility to nurture sustainable green spaces for future generations.
Our property includes 46 acres, mostly woods bordered by Duncan Ave. and the Boulevard. One parcel is used by the Museum of the Hudson Highlands for its interpretive meadow of native species. Walking trails through the woods are used by Grail guests and neighbors. In the last two years—as part of our forest management project--bowhunting has been allowed during hunting season, through the Black Rock Fish and Game Club. We are also collaborating with Black Rock Forest on an exclusion fencing study project in three areas on our property. In April, a labyrinth will be created within the stonewall ruins of an old foundation in the woods.
For many years, the forest has not been managed and has suffered because of increases in the deer population. Woods that were thick and lush thirty years ago no longer harbor new growth. Because of this environmental devastation, we decided to harvest some of the trees. Our neighbors have, no doubt, been aware of the sound of diesel equipment, chain saws and falling trees in our woods. Our intention is to regenerate growth in the forest by opening up the canopy to allow more light to enter the depth of the woods; provide protection for new seedlings that will grow into the next generations of trees; and gain some necessary revenue to help us maintain the property. We have made every effort to practice sustainable forestry and are eager to use this as an opportunity to learn and provide education for others. We will be able to create a Grail Trail in a loop that interprets the forest species and management practices and honors our sense of the sacred within the land and our relationship with it.
Consulting with the Black Rock Preserve Director, Dr. Bill Schuster, and Forest Manger, John Brady, we are developing a plan to counter any possible erosion and a regeneration plan to eliminate invasive species that will spring up from the disturbed soils.
About 100 of the trees that have been harvested are hard maple and another 75 are red, black and white oaks. There were eight white ash trees and four walnut trees. The trees will be turned into fine wood products such as veneers and flooring.
Thousands of trees still stand in our woods, including ones that will provide seeds for new trees to grow. Tops and branches of the cut trees will remain on the ground to deter deer from eating new seedlings until they get larger and can withstand the browsing.
The Grail treasures the beauty of the forest and we hope to keep it healthy for many decades to come, available for all those seeking a gentle and restful walk on the land.
Sharon Thomson, Director
Lucy Jones, Grounds Manager
The Grail, Cornwall-on-Hudson
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