Hello all, I apologize for the lack of content for week 9. But let’s jump right into week 10 content.
Anthony Cafferata
Monday, the whole crew planted baby trees! Stephen took us to a unit that was broadcast burned and we planted seedlings. We all spread out in a row and did our best to keep 11 foot horizontal spacing. This was difficult on a slope and, as a result, our lines got a little out of whack and some trees had to be replanted.
Daniel with bags of seedlings.
While I was planting a tree, I stuck my shovel in the ground, and something next to it wriggled. I took a closer look, and there was a small salamander. He was very cute, I immediately dubbed him “blog worthy” and captured his picture for you all to see.
Anthony loves handling all things squirmy for the sake of his blog.
Tuesday was exciting. Daniel and I went and took a 6-year survey on a plantation and started the unit layout for Sand Pit View. The 6-year survey needed to be done to check drone data. The unit was flown by a drone to take stock of the trees and we wanted to compare our data with theirs.
Afterwards, we started a unit layout. Our first boundary line went right through a blackberry patch straight up the hill. We were, however, rewarded with a very nice view. Little did we know, we, as a crew, would be coming back to this unit a few more times this week.
Wednesday, I started a road project. There are two tree farms close together, but no roads connect them. My project was to find a suitable way for a road to connect them. Before I even started though, I saw an owl. This made the day rather exciting. I was able to get a very good picture of it sitting and a large pacific yew tree.
Anyway, I started walking around and looking for possible routes. I began looking at the map and then walking on the ground in those areas looking at the terrain trying to determine the best route.
I determined one way was too steep and the second option I looked at, I flagged. I look forward to discussing my choices and seeing where I can improve. This is my first time doing road layout by myself and I want to do a good job and learn lots.
Look closely in the center of the photo and you might spy an owl.
Thursday I was back at Sand Pit View. The plan changed and we are now including the other side of a ridge that was previously the boundary.
We took down flagging and did a couple stream surveys to get the unit ready for more layout. The other side has a property line that needs to be resurveyed and a stream to buffer. Still more work to go on this unit.
On Friday, I was helping brush out a road that is being used for an upcoming tour. Jamie, Caroline and I ran weed whackers all day, even when it started raining after lunch.
Bees in flight led Anthony to discover a large nest in a log.
— Anthony Cafferata