HERRING CREEK EXPERIMENT

We are working to convert former agricultural land at Herring Creek into native species-rich sandplain grassland. This is adjacent to a globally-significant patch of sandplain grassland at Katama, on Martha’s Vineyard that is managed by The Nature Conservancy. We are experimenting with different methods of eliminating non-native pasture grasses and seeding and establishing native species. Annalisa Weiler and Betsy Von Holle are also examining how soil conditions influence competition between native and no n-native plants. In 2007 we established 180 plots in which we test different soil amendments and seeding regimes. What we learn from the small plots will be applied to the entire 50-acre parcel.

Experimental plots at Herring Creek

Leah Crosby (left) and Annie Weiler identify plants in experimental plots

Annie Weiler shows off some of the more than 1200 plots she established to look at competition between native and non-native plants