The project to restore the hayfield at the Shoolman Preserve turned out to be much larger than any of us ever anticipated. It was, in fact, too big for pictures. There is no way that dozens of photographs can relate the sheer size of the project nor the over 200 man-hours of effort that went into the cutting, piling, burning/chipping of over a thousand trees from 1” to over a foot in diameter (and tons of bittersweet vines) and the eventual removal of their stumps.
You have to go to Shoolman and see it for yourself. Over an acre of ground was cleared, restoring the hayfield and moving the trail along its edge significantly, the kiosk likewise, and a new parking area is in the final stage of completion. When you see it, you’ll understand why we owe a debt of gratitude to Art Benner, Mike Bare, Hugh Harp, Norene Hartley, Mike Hugenin, Russ Keeler, Bob Lawrence, Bruce MacPhail, David Smith, Rosemary Smith, Pete Stroud and Bill Milka, our hayfield farmer, for all the stumping and the new parking lot
Thanks to our Volunteer Stewards. These individuals answered the call last March (and earlier) when we indicated our need to have extra eyes (and lawn mowers) checking trails, helping with seasonal maintenance and occasional downed trees, and managing litter at RLT properties.
We want them to know how sincerely we appreciate their efforts: Allie Arnfield (Church’s Field and River Trail), Kevin Carroll, Joanne Minisce, and Emma (Lionberger Woods), Morgan Cecil (Church’s Wildlife), Jonathan Dolan (Leonard’s Pond, Church’s Wildlife), Bruce MacPhail (Church’s Field), Carolyn Reusch (Shoolman Preserve), and Fernando Neto (at large).