T o d a y ’ s F o r e s t • T o m o r r o w ’ s L e g a c yT o d a y ’ s F o r e s t • T o m o r r o w ’ s L e g a c y

Ways to enhancescenic areas & woodscaping foraesthetic plant diversity

➣Create a colorful edge➣Create a blended yard➣Create a woodland

garden➣Create Scenic Views➣Reclaim disturbed areas➣Create recreational

opportunities

A n important goal for manywoodland owners is to enjoytheir property for recreation-al activities, its beauty, and

the sense of peace that it provides. Notonly are the tranquility and exercise ben-eficial to you, but managing your woodsfor these activities will also benefit foresthealth and wildlife. Before you embarkon any recreation or aesthetic develop-ment project, it is important to inventoryyour property for the natural featuresthat will enhance your goals, as well asareas that are fairly easy to develop andmaintain. Refer to factsheet Where Do IBegin? A Forest is More than a Bunch ofTrees, and the Woodland Area InventorySheet to review your woodland featuresand resources.

When designing your woodlandprojects, expand upon the valuable landfeatures that already exist. For example,if you want to create a secluded clearingfor relaxation or to promote certainwildlife species, look for areas where theunderstory growth is naturally not asdense, or where some trees have recentlydied or blown down. If you are an avidcross-country skier and would like todevelop some trails, look for areas thatoffer challenge such as natural knolls anddepressions. The options are endless.

You may decide to undertake a proj-ect for particular recreational purposesincluding:

➣Enhancing ecological and wildlifehabitat

➣Enhancing scenic areas and aestheticplant diversity

➣Reclaiming disturbed areas➣ Creating recreational opportunities

Many, if not all, of these options may becompatible through careful planning andforethought.

Enhancing ecological andwildlife habitat

You may decide to enhance your wood-lands for wildlife habitat, resulting in:➣Creating a bird sanctuary to go birding➣Hunting and fishing➣Creating a “wildlife refuge” for view-

ing and photographing➣Sheltering rare and endangered species

Whether some of these wildlife speciesalready exist on your property, or youare challenged with creating or enhanc-ing habitat for them, it is important toremember that any activity or changeyou make on the land can impact the for-est ecosystem. Refer to factsheets Workingfor Clean, Plentiful Water; Working forWildlife Habitat; and Working forBiodiversity and Protection from InvasiveSpecies for planning information, projectideas, tips for minimizing adverseimpacts, contacts and resources.

Below are some project ideas toenhance aesthetics and recreationalopportunities in your woodlands. Usethe Record of Woodland Area Plans andActivities sheet to record actions youplan to take and develop a time framefor accomplishing activities. Refer to thelist of contacts and resources listed at theend of this factsheet for specific informa-tion and assistance with these activities.

Working for Recreation & Aesthetics

T o d a y ’ s F o r e s t • T o m o r r o w ’ s L e g a c yT o d a y ’ s F o r e s t • T o m o r r o w ’ s L e g a c y

Before youembark on anyrecreation oraesthetic devel-opment project,it is important toinventory yourproperty for thenatural featuresthat will enhanceyour goals, aswell as areasthat are fairlyeasy to developand maintain.

Where do I turn for moreInformation & help?

RI DEM Division of Forest Environment(401) 647-3367 • www.dem.ri.gov• To talk with a state service forester.• Obtain assistance with alternative forest

uses & recreational development; a list ofconsulting foresters and licensed woodoperators.

RI DEM Sustainable Watersheds Office(401) 222-3434 • www.dem.ri.gov• Information and publications on alternative

forest products and site assessment.

RI DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife(401) 789-3094 • www.dem.ri.gov• Information on hunting rules, regulations

and safety education training.• To talk with a state wildlife biologist.

Rhode Island Forest ConservatorsOrganization (RIFCO)(401) 568-3421 • www.rifco.org• Educational programs and events, newsletter,

Rhode Island Tree Farm Program, links tonumerous publications and local, state, andfederal forestry agencies and organizations.

URI CE GreenShare Program & PlantProtection Clinic(401) 874-2900 • www.uri.edu/ce/ceec• Factsheets on Insect and Animal Pests, Tree

and Shrub Culture, Integrated PestManagement, available on-line atwww.uri.edu/ce/factsheets; SustainableTrees and Shrubs Manual, available on-line atwww.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/sustplant.html

• Information and assistance with plantinsect and disease identification.

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island(401) 949-5454 • www.asri.org• Information, publications and programs

about birds and other wildlife, environmen-tal conservation, education and advocacy.

USDA Natural Resources ConservationService(401) 828-1300 • www.ri.nrcs.usda.gov• Obtain the Soil Survey Map of Rhode Island

and assistance with the identification ofand information about the soils on yourproperty; technical assistance with conser-vation planning and practices; and localconservation district contacts.

Rhode Island Tree Council(401) 647-9922• Tree Stewards Training Program—education

series on tree planting and care; urban andcommunity forestry.

The RI Natural History Survey(401) 874-5800 • www.uri.edu/ce/rinhs• Information about invasive species, Rhode

Island’s ecology, biodiversity protection,and extensive links to many related organi-zations and publications.

The Rhode Island Wild Plant Society(401) 783-5895 • www.riwps.org• List of native plants; official RI Invasive

Species Council list of invasive plants; spe-cial programs, affiliations & newsletter.

USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area,State and Private Forestrywww.na.fs.fed.usLinks to Durham, NH Field Office(603) 868-7600 • www.fs.fed.us/na/durham• Information on Urban & Community

Forestry; Forest Products Publications;Wildlife; On-line Library.

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Departmentof Natural Resources(607) 255-2115www.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/ext/index.htmpublications:www.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/ext/publications.htm

A Forest Landowner’s Guide to InternetResources: States of the Northeastwww.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/misc/ir/index.htm• Publications and factsheets for: Recreation;

Wildlife/Hunting; Economics of ForestInvestments; Tree Identification/SpeciesInfo; Forest Health and Protection; TreePlanting/Regeneration; ForestManagement Planning; Special ForestProducts; Riparian Forest & WetlandMgmt.; Biodiversity & Endangered Species;Glossaries of Forestry Terms.

Other Recommended Resources:

Clarke, Marion L., and James D. Mertes.Chapter 6: Recreation/Aesthetics andEnvironmental Enhancement, Florida’s ForestStewardship Program.www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/pubtxt/c1020f.htm While written for Florida, contains manybasic principles for this topic.

Programs and activities are available toall persons without regard to race, color,sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or national origin.

This project is a collaboration of theSouthern New England ForestConsortium, Inc.1, and the Universityof Rhode Island Cooperative ExtensionHome*A*Syst Program2. Written byHolly K. Burdett 2, ChristopherModisette1, Alyson McCann2 andBrianne Neptin2. Special thanks to allpublication reviewers. Funding for thisproject was provided by the USDAForest Service in cooperation with theRhode Island Department ofEnvironmental Management Divisionof Forest Environment and the USDARenewable Resources Extension Act,URI Cooperative Extension.

T o d a y ’ s F o r e s t • T o m o r r o w ’ s L e g a c yT o d a y ’ s F o r e s t • T o m o r r o w ’ s L e g a c y

Enhancing scenic areas & woodscaping for aesthetic plant diversity

Create a colorful edgeMany people enjoy forests that are color-ful year-round, and it may take surpris-ingly little effort to enhance year-roundcolor in your woodlands. One projectincludes adding color to the edgebetween your woods and backyard. Anedge is a place where two different natu-ral areas join, such as where woodlandsmeet an open field, your yard, or a waterbody. A properly constructed edge notonly supports a variety of wildlife, butalso improves the overall aesthetic lookof your property.

➣ Plant a variety of trees and flowersthat fruit and blossom at differenttimes of the year and in a variety ofcolors. Remember that soil type andavailable sunlight will affect whichplants are most suitable. Take care notto introduce invasive species. Consultthe URI CE GreenShare SustainableTrees and Shrubs Manual and theRhode Island Wild Plant Society formore information. See the end of thisfactsheet for contact information.

➣Maintain a mix of deciduous hard-wood trees and evergreen trees

➣Create or maintain wavy edges withindentations to improve visual diversity

➣ Introduce irregularity to straight for-est edges

➣Establish or maintain irregular outly-ing clumps of trees to create a naturalforest edge appearance.

Create a blended yardWhether you realize it or not, your lawnis actually a man-made clearing in theforest. Another project includes workingwith the original design of your yard tocreate a sanctuary for yourself, promotevarious wildlife species, and maintain amore energy efficient home.

➣ If you have a relatively open lawnwith few or no trees or shrubs, consid-er planting some. Strategically placedtrees & shrubs can add shade to youryard and provide a wind barrier. Infact, well-placed trees can increase theenergy efficiency of your home byreducing exposure to sun and wind.

➣Consider planting shrubs or flowers

that attract butterflies and humming-birds. This will add to the sense ofpeace and tranquility you may desirefor your yard.

➣Enhance a secluded area in your back-yard with a rustic bench and wildflowers to provide rest and relaxation –a place to “get away.” Again, chooseyour plants wisely and avoid intro-ducing invasive species. Consult theURI CE GreenShare Sustainable Treesand Shrubs Manual and the RhodeIsland Wild Plant Society for moreinformation. See the end of this fact-sheet for contact information.

Create a woodland gardenYou can create various types of gardensto increase the diversity deeper withinyour woodlands. Two examples arewildflower and shade gardens. Bothtypes of gardens add variation, enhanceyear-round color, and provide a splendidsanctuary.

Create Scenic ViewsA woodland area without underbrush,layers of dead leaves, rotting logs, andfallen tree limbs may be pleasing to theeye, but is lacking in wildlife habitatvalue. Clearing the forest floor of deadtrees and understory growth may alsoreduce forest health in the long term byremoving nutrients that would havereturned to the soil during the decayprocess. If you desire to create a park-like look and feel to your woodlands,here are some suggestions for maintain-ing some wildlife habitat value:

➣ Locate certain tree stands, such asbirch trees, that are naturally given tovisual enhancement when low-lyingbranches and dense understorygrowth are removed.

➣ Create certain patches or strips ofpark-like areas, such as birch treestands or other designated areas thatare connected to alternate patches orareas where dead trees and denseunderstory vegetation is left intact.Create paths to access these areas.

➣ If a woodland area is not largeenough to allow for alternating patch-es of intensively landscaped areas,consider “thinning” the under storyvegetation and leaving some deadtrees and fallen logs.

Reclaiming disturbed areas

Improving “unsightly” areas may notonly be an invigorating task, but one thatalso improves the economic value ofyour land. A parcel of land that is wellcared for and pleasing to the eye is usu-ally higher in value.

Seventy-five percent of Rhode Islandwas once cleared for agricultural produc-tion--much of which has reverted back toforest. Past land clearing, conservation,and pasture management practices cou-pled with eventual abandonment oftenallowed aggressive native species, suchas green brier, or introduced, invasivespecies such as multifloral rose orautumn olive become established. Evennatural disasters such as fire, insect &disease infestations, ice damage, wind-storm blow-downs and hurricanes haveleft their mark.

The improvements needed toenhance the aesthetic look of these areasare similar to suggestions for improvingforest health. Refer to the factsheetWorking for Forest Resources and Health fortips and more information about prun-ing, hazard tree management, and croptree management. If invasive species pre-dominate, eradication efforts may becostly and labor intensive. However,starting in a small, yet strategic area mayprove rewarding and inspire you to con-tinue with this effort over the long term.Refer to factsheet Working for Biodiversityand Protection from Invasive Species formore information about invasive species.

You may wish to enlist the assistanceof a professional landscaper, landscapearchitect, or licensed arborist in instanceswhere past disturbance was significantand widespread--such as an old gravel pit.

Creating recreational opportunities

Developing your property for recreation-al uses may require a significant input oftime, labor and financial resources upfront, but the benefits last for many yearsto come. If you desire to use your landfor hunting, hiking, biking, horsebackriding, riding snowmobiles, or crosscountry-skiing, the first step is to con-struct proper trails.

The level of planning and construc-tion needed for these trails will dependon who the end users will be. If it is onlyyou and your immediate family usingthem, the trails at a minimum need to befree of hazard trees or other potentialsafety concerns such as proximity towater bodies, steep slopes, or ledge cliffs.Otherwise, the trails can be as easy or aschallenging to navigate as you wish.

If you plan on allowing limited pub-lic access (friends and neighbors), or fullpublic access for a fee, then a lot of plan-ning and design may be required toensure widespread safety and navigabili-ty of the trails themselves, as well as ade-quate parking areas and access roads. Itis recommended that you work with nat-ural resource professionals such as the RIDEM Division of Forest Environment, theRI Audubon Society, the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service andother similar groups and agencies forassistance with planning, constructionand liability issues. Refer to factsheetWorking for Alternative Forest Products formore information and contacts concern-ing recreational development.

In addition to safety, another big con-cern with trail and access road construc-tion is protection from soil erosion andsedimentation during and after rainfall orsnowmelt. This is especially important ifthe trail is located near a water resource.Refer to Working for Clean Plentiful Waterfor more information on soil erosion andstormwater runoff control. A few tips fortrail construction are also provided below:

➣ Locate access roads and trails on thecontour to take advantage of naturalcurves within the landscape. This canreduce construction labor andexpense, as well as soil erosion andstormwater runoff.

➣ Establish or maintain perennial vege-tation along trails and access roads toenhance wildlife habitat, visual quali-ty, and erosion and stormwater runoffcontrol.

➣ Develop narrow paths within envi-ronmentally sensitive areas.

➣ On heavily used access roads applylow-cost mulching materials such aswoodchips produced from your owntree removal. In areas that are steep oropen to public access, crushed stone orother more expensive materials maybe needed.

Some Examplesof Native PlantSpeciesAttractive toHummingbirdsand Butterflies

For Sunny Areas:Pearly EverlastingButterflyweedAstersNorthern Blazing StarTurk’s Cap LilyCardinal FlowerWild LupineMountain MintsGoldenrodsJoe-Pye Weed

For Shaded Areas:Jack-in-the-pulpitWild ColumbineTrue Solomon’s SealBloodrootTrilliumMountain LaurelSpicebushArrowwood ViburnumHighbush and LowbushBlueberrySwamp-azalea

The list of plants includedhere was provided by LisaGould, Executive Directorof the Rhode IslandNatural History Surveyand Coordinator of theRhode Island InvasiveSpecies Council

You can also refer to theURI Cooperative ExtensionGreenShare SustainableTrees and Shrubs Manualavailable at (401) 874-2900or 0n-line www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/sustplant.html

Contact the Rhode IslandWild Plant Society at (401) 783-5895 or on-linewww.riwps.org for anadditional list of nativeplants and for a list ofinvasive plants to avoid.

RecreationalOpportunities➣ Hunting

➣ Hiking Trails

➣ Biking Trails

➣ Horseback Riding

➣ Riding Snowmobiles

➣ Cross-Country Skiing

➣ Swimming

➣ Fishing

➣ Wildlife Observation