Analog forestry is a system of sustainable forestry that seeks to recreate the structure and function of a diverse natural forest. Much like agroforestry, it seeks to use forest resources for food, shelter, and income in a sustainable way, …
Honeybees are an introduced species in North America, so unlike some non-native mast-producing trees and shrubs, native mast-producing trees and shrubs do not rely on honeybees for pollination. However, the activity of honeybees and other pollinators can increase the …
Agroforestry is the combination of trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock to produce more a diverse, productive, and profitable farm.
Long practiced in the tropics, agroforestry is gaining increasing attention in temperate regions due to its many benefits.
Some …
Hackberries (Celtis sp.) are medium-sized trees with excellent wildlife value. Related to the elm family, they produce small, sweet fruits that are popular with many song birds, game birds, and small mammals. Hackberries are also edible by humans and …
Coppicing is an ancient form of woodlot management that was widely practiced in Europe for thousands of years and is now experiencing a revival of interest around the world.
Coppicing is the practice of cutting young trees back almost to …
The viburnums (Viburnum sp.) are a large and versatile family of over 150 ornamental shrubs, including both native and introduced species. Like their fellow understory shrubs, the dogwoods, viburnums provide exceptional four season beauty. They produce prolific and …
Woody agriculture is a new agriculture discipline that focuses on intensive production of staple food and fuel crops using woody perennial plants. It is similar to agroforestry and edible forest gardening, but does not mix woody perennial crops with …
Bobwhite quail and other native quail populations have been in decline in recent decades, primarily due to loss of habitat.
Quail are edge-dwelling birds, requiring habitat that mixes grasslands and wooded areas.
Unfortunately, all grassland is not created equal. The …
The wintergreen family (Gaultheria spp.) is a family of evergreen shrubs and woody groundcovers native mainly to northern and mountainous regions of North America.
Oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate) is produced in the leaves and twigs of Gaultheria species …
Mountain ash trees (Sorbus species) have long been considered to have special properties. European mountain ashes are also known as rowan trees and were traditionally considered to have magical properties, including protection against evil beings. They were often used …