By Thomas Patti, Communications Coordinator
Stewardship Programs Manager Zoë Smiarowski removes a fallen tree at Delano Memorial Forest in Rochester.
If a tree falls in a storm, does it make a sound?
If that tree crosses a Wildlands trail, then yes. If not heard directly, the crack and boom of the tree’s descent will reverberate along a systematic chain of communication between Wildlands’ stewardship staff and volunteers, ensuring its prompt removal for the safety and convenience of preserve visitors.
While many fret over the risks that high winds pose to their homes and property, few may consider how their favorite woodland trail remains timber-free, storm after storm. But at Wildlands, every severe storm is an all-hands-on-deck event that relies on the generosity and dedication of volunteers in the communities we serve.
Tree work at Stewart/Person Preserve in Kingston.
When a potentially destructive storm enters the forecast, one of our stewardship team’s first orders of business is to enlist our trusty reserve of Adopt-a-Preserve (AAP) volunteers. In times of climatic peace, these brave individuals make monthly visits to Wildlands preserves, reporting any signs of disturbance to our staff. But when a powerful storm brews, their reports become even more critical.
“We have far fewer land stewards on staff than we have preserves that need attention after a storm,” said Owen Grey, Wildlands’ Stewardship Operations Manager. “Our AAP volunteers help fill that gap.”
By documenting the severity of storm damage at a given property, AAP volunteers help Wildlands prioritize the places that need the most immediate response. For safety’s sake, a tree hanging precariously over a trail warrants faster attention than a tree resting on the ground. More frequently visited preserves claim priority over less visited ones. Preserves with a history of significant storm damage also receive early consideration. It’s tree triage.
Wildlands stewardship staff cuts down an overhanging tree at Willow Brook Farm in Pembroke.
There are certain steps an AAP volunteer can take to maximize their contribution to this mission. Photos help Wildlands staff visualize the extent of storm damage. Pairing these photos with exact locations helps our stewards respond and move on to the next property as quickly as possible. (Volunteers can geo-reference their photos by taking a screenshot of their location on Avenza, a free mobile app that tracks visitors’ routes on Wildlands trails.) Volunteers should not chainsaw or take on other dangerous tasks on their own—not only is this unsafe, but it violates Wildlands policy and often costs our stewardship team extra time in the field.
When it’s time for the Wildlands stewardship staff to respond to storm damage, preparation is key. Plans are written. Routes are mapped. Equipment is tested and fueled. At least two, but often more, stewards attend each site visit.
Stewardship Programs Manager Zoë Smiarowski removes a fallen tree at Striar Conservancy in Halifax.
As a result, these efforts take time. Under perfect conditions, Wildlands can respond to about four properties per day. Therefore, we appreciate visitors’ patience in the days and weeks following a major storm. Please know that we are responding to our preserves as efficiently as we can while ensuring the safety of our staff and visitors.
To our Adopt-a-Preserve volunteers: thank you for your dedication to our work. Your contributions are essential to our mission of safeguarding the special places of Southeastern Massachusetts!
Interested in joining our ranks? Several Wildlands properties are in need of monthly monitors, including Crystal Spring Preserve in Plainville. Adopt a Preserve today at wildlandstrust.org/volunteer.