A note from Frank and Eleanor Biasiolli summarized goings on that contributed “to knowledge about and the health of our forest this year – biotic inventory, stilt grass control effort, deer exclusion fencing, permanent study plots.”
The inventory yielded 231 species, 12 new to Greene County. Unfortunately, one of those is waveyleaf basketgrass. Virginia Forestry and Wildlife Group is working on invasive species removal and on the inventory and plots. That firm’s Brian Morse said “we wrapped up the stiltgrass project for the year. Our team made great progress and covered more of the property than we originally thought.” However, they discovered wavyleaf basketgrass, “a major new threat to Virginia and previously not know from this location (but found in the nearby national park). This sighting has been reported to DCR Natural Heritage. We treated what we found and Frank has since located and treated another patch.”
The deer fencing is set for winter installation, with review requested by easement holder Piedmont Environmental Council. The proposed fencing falls within the forest management parameters already in the easement language and is also part of an invasives control measure recommended by Austin Jamison of Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage. Asked for the best long-range approach, he said the forest needs “a combination of deer exclusion (until an area is re-vegetated) and spraying.” Once leaves are down, Austin will work with Frank on siting the fence.