Unconventional by Nature

Hawthorne Valley Association

On Earth Day, as part of broader spring tree and shrub plantings across the farm, the Farm team added over thirty trees to the cow lane. The farmers planted a mixture of Red Oak, Pin Oak, and Black Locust bare root saplings. While it will take about five to ten years for the trees to establish themselves and grow to a sufficient size, they will offer much-needed shade for the dairy herd as they walk to and from the pastures on the northern side of Harlemville Road. The Black Locust also have the additional purpose of providing the farm with future source of fence posts grown and harvested right here for the fields and cow lanes. These efforts are just some of the ways Hawthorne Valley Farm is adapting to the changing climate and building resiliency for years to come.

If you have any questions, contact Spencer Fenniman, Director of Farm Operations.