WHAT: Woods Walk, Walton, Delaware County in south eastern New York state.
WHERE: Golden Mountain Permaculture Sanctuary, Walton, NY
TOPIC: Permaculture Food Forest - Year 2
DATE: Saturday, June 14, 2014
TIME: 2-5 PM
Please arrive by 1:45 PM.
COST: Free.
This walk is an official NYFOA sponsored event.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Landowners (both small and great parcels), prospective landowners, nature lovers, gardeners, those concerned with the environment and forest regeneration, those interested to learn about permaculture and what it is and how it works, and anyone else interested in related topics.
CONTACT
HOST and PRESENTER: Pat Crosby
NYFOA (New York Forest Owners Association)
MFO (Master Forest Owner program of Cornell University)
patcrosby@gmail.com
845.434.3829 US
You are invited to join us on this informative and fun and leisurely walk of a 15 acre mountainside property.
The emphasis on this walk is how an individual forest owner can take a weed-filled meadow of blown down pine trees, and create a habitat for biodiversity, food sustainability, fun, and peace and quiet - using mainly low cost and free methods.
Green Capital
"A food forest is similar to a typical woodland ecosystem but instead of the usual greens you would find in a forest, this substitutes in edible trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals; all managed with the permaculture design system a
nd philosophy to create a model of a self-sustaining natural ecosystem with many different species growing in the same plot...
"The 2013 woods walk showcased how water was to be harvested on this mountainside utilizing permaculture design principles - instead of letting the water run off the land uncontrollably - creating erosion and lack of water.
Now, in 2014, the bulldozing of the water harvesting permaculture design project is complete. Instead of water runoff, there are 3 ponds and several pools and swales which both irrigate the gardens, and provide home and shelter for frogs, salamanders, birds, and many other critters - and provide endless hours of joy and contentment and relaxation as well as irrigate the land and new trees and gardens.
We will discuss the huge increase in biodiversity since the water harvesting project has been completed - birds, frogs, amphibians, etc.
A beginning fruit and nut orchard has been planted. We will see where the land naturally provides good locations for the health and vigor of these plants and learn to observe how Mother Nature plants trees herself for successful growth.
The land is being reclaimed for recreation, biodiversity, long-term forest health, food production, birds, frogs, and pure joy.
There are many wild edible and medicinal plants being encouraged on this property. We will have the opportunity to identify and sample some of them.
Focusing on observing and learning from the grand teacher - Mother Nature - we will see what works successfully naturally, and how we can imitate these practices in creating our own little paradises.
The Northeast of the US is a huge carbon sink.
The top of the ridge features an old pine and spruce tree plantation - a true black forest. We will walk through these magical woodlands, looking for successful biodiversity and discuss the role of trees in climate and water retention.
You can see the difference between the old forest plantation, and the developing food forest once this section of the forest blew down in a great ice storm over 10 years ago.
We will illustrate which trees are good for timber, which are salable, which are animal and bird shelter, and which are to enjoy.
We will discuss the role of forests in climate protection, why forests benefit from managing - especially for small individual property owners - and how invasive species (plant and animal) are putting the very future of our great forests in jeopardy - an how valuable each landowner can be to protect and enhance our global environment.
We wills see natural ways to protect long-term forest regeneration of hardwood trees from deer browsing and invasive species.
ABOUT THE WALK
The walk is slow and leisurely, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.
The 15 acre property is on a mountainside with moderate slope. There are old logging trails we will be on for most of the walk.
The trails are irregular, so sturdy shoes are necessary. You may want a walking stick, too.
Please wear LONG sleeves, pants, socks, sturdy walking shoes, hat or raincoat. Bring insect repellent. Be prepared for some brambles, and some irregular walking when we go up to the mountain top black forest. You may want to bring a walking stick.
Children are very welcome.
Keep them with you at all times, please.
Please bring drinking water and any snacks you may need.
There are no restrooms.
Park along the road on the shoulder.
ADDRESS of the walk will be given with registration. It is 6 miles west of the village of Walton, NY.
Rain or shine - unless an absolute downpour. Check this website the day of the walk if there is any doubt in your mind.
Free literature will be available from the NY Cornell Master Forest Owner (MFO) program.
HOW TO ATTEND:
1. You MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE
Go HERE to Register.
2. You MUST sign the WAIVER of Liability HERE
LEARN MORE ABOUT PERMACULTURE and FOOD FORESTS
Why Food Forests?
Lessons from an Urban Back Yard Food Forest Experiment
NYFOA - find other woods walks in NY. Learn about forests and how you can help protect them.
