Preserving Our Historic Landscape

Hawthorn Hollow lies on a gently rolling moraine formed by the melting of the Laurentide Ice Sheet over 10,000 years ago. This glacial melting also formed the Pike River Watershed, within which Hawthorn Hollow is located. The South Branch of the Pike River divides the property into two sections—the west and east sides—and creates areas of steep topography, including river valleys, uplands, and lowlands.

This diverse landscape supports many habitat types, such as upland forest, floodplain forest, prairie, wetland, and river. A greater variety of habitats on a property can lead to increased biodiversity by supporting a wide range of plants, animals, and other organisms. We strive to continually improve the health of our ecosystems and the biodiversity they support.

Much of the conservation work at Hawthorn Hollow involves managing both non-native invasive species and aggressive native species. Invasive species are nonindigenous organisms that cause environmental harm when introduced to an ecosystem. Many of our aggressive native species, however, are plants that are no longer naturally controlled by fire, a process that was once a critical component of this historic landscape. Preserving and restoring these historic conditions is an important part of maintaining our natural heritage. Historic records and soil evidence indicate that the uplands were likely prairie or savanna prior to European settlement, while the Pike River floodplain was likely composed of wet meadow and marsh.

Restoration and Preservation

Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is deeply committed to projects that preserve the health and diversity of native ecosystems. By prioritizing initiatives such as prairie and wetland restoration, invasive species management, and habitat conservation, the sanctuary fosters resilience in local flora and fauna. These efforts not only protect biodiversity but also promote ecological function, ensuring that native species can thrive in their natural environments.

Research and Citizen Science

Hawthorn Hollow’s staff uses a science-informed approach to managing the property’s diverse habitat types. The collection of baseline and long-term data on local wildlife, plant communities, ecosystem functions, and land use is essential for understanding changes over time and evaluating the success of ongoing conservation and restoration efforts.

Hawthorn Hollow also strongly supports citizen science as a way to empower the local community to actively participate in monitoring and preserving nature. By collecting data on local species, habitats, and environmental changes, citizen scientists provide valuable insights that help inform conservation efforts at both the sanctuary and regional scale.