From Ashes to Oaks
The recent wildfires that impacted Polk County, including our beloved Norman Wilder Forest, presented a challenging moment for our conserved lands. While the sight of the charred trees was a somber reminder of nature’s power, it also created an opportunity for renewal. We even spotted some wildflowers popping up in wake of the fires!
The Replanting
This past week, Conserving Carolina staff gathered at Norman Wilder Forest for a workday focused on the future health of the land. Our mission: to plant approximately 200 bare root white oak.
As our Indigenous Partnership and Restoration Coordinator, Lia Waldrum, explained during the workday – the recent fire, while impactful, has cleared much of the understory. This change actually creates favorable conditions for planting oak trees. Oaks are known to thrive in post-fire environments, and this planting effort is a proactive step in assisting the natural regeneration process.
This important initiative is made possible in part through a generous grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, received by Conserving Carolina for the coming year. A key component of this grant is the planting of these 200 white oak trees. The goal is to cultivate a healthy stand of oaks that, once mature and of harvestable quality and size, will contribute to long-term ecological health and sustainable artisan harvest. Oak wood is used for baskets and other crafts.
Conserving Carolina remains committed to the stewardship of Norman Wilder Forest and all our protected properties. We are grateful for the support of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation and the hard work of our staff and volunteers as as we support a healthy forest with numerous benefits, growing and thriving after the fire.