Dutchess Land Conservancy
Thursday, August 13, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Bontecou Preserve
Learn about forest restoration by participating in a deer fence build.
Join the Dutchess Land Conservancy at the Jesse & Gayle Bontecou Wildlife Conservation Preserve for a hands-on forest restoration project and learn how active stewardship can help create healthier, more resilient habitats.
Working alongside DLC conservation staff, volunteers will help install a one-acre deer exclosure fence - an important first step in restoring a section of forest that has been selected for future native understory plantings. The site will eventually receive native plants grown through previous community potting-up events with our partner, the Wild Woods Restoration Project, creating a stronger, more diverse forest ecosystem.
Throughout the program, participants will gain practical experience building and maintaining deer exclosures while learning why these structures play a vital role in protecting young forests. You'll explore the impacts of deer foraging on forest regeneration in the northeast, discover how native trees and pollinator-friendly plants support biodiversity, and better understand the long-term process of ecological restoration.
This event is more than a volunteer workday - it's an opportunity to learn how stewardship efforts at the Bontecou Preserve connect to broader conservation goals and how similar actions can be applied on your own property or in your community. Whether you're interested in habitat restoration, native plants, or hands-on conservation, your participation will directly contribute to the creation of a healthier forest for future generations.
Dinner will be provided.
Where to Meet:
Bontecou Preserve, 80 Shuman Road, Stanfordville
What to Bring:
· Snacks
· Insect Repellent
· Water
· Weather-appropriate clothing
© Dutchess Land Conservancy. All Rights Reserved.
