By Tess Goldmann, Conservation Restriction Coordinator

Last fall, Wildlands Trust had the pleasure of partnering with Unity College student and Carver resident Nicole Huff. As part of her coursework, she completed a natural resource inventory of our Hoyt-Hall Preserve in Marshfield. A natural resource inventory (NRI) is a multifaceted survey of all the animals, plants, soils, waters, and geological features in an area. Hoyt-Hall, one of our showcase preserves, has a wide variety of environments, including pine forest, red maple swamp, and Long Tom Pond. We were excited for Nicole to conduct an NRI of Hoyt-Hall, as her findings would help us identify specific property conservation needs and future projects to address them.

Nicole used multiple methods to survey the property. When I met with Nicole at Hoyt-Hall in September, we walked the property and completed three quadrat sampling sessions. Nicole made five bird observation trips and hung two trail cameras to catch mammal activity. Finally, Nicole collected and analyzed 20 soil samples from around the preserve.

Nicole made several interesting discoveries about the preserve. She found that the upland soil is very acidic, with a pH of 3.62. This soil acidification could be responsible for the deaths of several Eastern red cedar trees around the preserve. In addition, Nicole identified two invasive plants—Oriental bittersweet and European buckthorn, both common in Southeastern Massachusetts—and recommended removal strategies for both.

Nicole also identified 31 birds, which is remarkable, especially during the late end of fall migration. In spring and summer, this number is sure to be higher, making Hoyt-Hall a premier birding location! (See eBird Hotspot data for the preserve here.) Be on the lookout for Downy Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and many more!

Thank you, Nicole, for all of your hard work! Your project will be an invaluable resource as we continue to advance positive conservation outcomes at Hoyt-Hall Preserve and beyond.