We work closely with our partner organizations —
• to select species for the growing conditions of their land and for the benefits that the species will bring to their landscape.
• to work together to solve challenges
• establishing plots
• planting plugs
• nurturing the plugs into healthy and thriving plants
• harvesting seeds
Foundation plots have approximately 200 plants per species. The plot dimensions and spacing of plants depends on the size and needs of the plant species, and the ease of collecting seeds. Partner organizations prepare and maintain their foundation plots.
Preparation
• Plots are cleared and weed-free prior to planting.
• A weed-suppressing fabric, such as a smooth synthetic landscape fabric or a natural product (burlap) is most often used for ease of maintenance and seed collection.
• If needed, the soil is enhanced with organic matter.
Maintenance
• All plugs require watering when first planted. Once established, watering is occasionally needed.
• Plots are routinely monitored for watering needs, weeds, pests, diseases and the possible need to enlarge holes in the weed suppression material to accommodate the growth rate of the plant.
• Organic practices for pests and diseases are followed.
• In late fall of the first-year plants are mulched to protect them from frost.
• In the winter plants are left standing to provide food, protection and shelter for wildlife.
• In early spring plants, dead plant materials are cut back to minimize disease and pests.
From Our Foundation Plot Partners
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge
Dr. Charles Clarkson, PhD, Director of Avian Research at Audubon RI, looks forward to the benefits to insects and bees thanks to their foundation plots. (Fall 2024)
Revive the Roots
Annie Bayer, Land Steward Committee, discusses the benefits of their 4 species hedgerow foundation plot. (Late Summer 2024)
Westerly Land Trust
Marc Dogherty, Land Steward Manager, welcomes the planting plugs in their foundation plot. (Late Summer 2024)
Brandon Family Farm
Alby Brandon highlights how his foundation plot native plants are attracting increasing numbers of pollinators to his organic farm. (Late Summer 2024)
Aquidneck Island Land Trust
Alex Chuman, Conservation Director and Sean Grandy, Stewardship Manager, talk about our partnership. (Fall 2023)
Plant Community LLC
Mary O’Connor, from ReSeeding RI, talks with Lizzie Hunt about her interest in ecotypic plants. (Fall 2023)