CONDITION ASSESSMENT FOR THE ORCHARD

By: Liam FitzgeraldAdams Intern for Branching Out

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN…

OCLP Adams National Historical Park Park-Based Intern

WHAT I DO…

Weed beds for formal garden Mow orchard Moved hay Used power equipment/hand tools Tree/Plant ID Weekly blogs for Branching Out Rake garden pathway Perimeter pick-up

FORMAL GARDEN

Consists of four beds: A, B, C, library Maintain everyday by Matt, Bob, Jayla

and myself Use mostly of mulch “compost” Yellow wood/Black Walnut are most

historical trees in garden (Yellow wood has support beams and COBRA cord)

CONT.

Mowed on a weekly basis Tour passes by through here to get to

library Some tourists ask us what certain

plants are and we’re doing a good job maintaining the garden

INDEPENDENT PROJECT

Condition Assessment on trees in the orchard

Some trees are more historic/valuable than others

MAIN OBJECTIVE

Observe: Root System Stem/Root Base Main Stem Crown/Canopy Overall Condition Recommendations that need to be

made

WHAT I REALIZED…

Most trees are taken care for Others haven’t been maintained for

two years Some trees have died within the last

two years Found mostly wood pecker holes,

suckers, exposed roots, hornets nests, hollow holes, and leaning trees

Some new trees have been planted within these two years but aren’t labeled

BENEFITS OF WORKING HERE

Park: Makes it more beautiful and more people will want to go see it. Make park get a bigger reputation and gain popularity.

Myself: Make people interested in what I do. People will see what I’ve done and compliment on my effort and accomplishments.