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 where Hawthorn Hollow is within. The South Branch of the Pike River divides the property in two—the west and the east side—and gives the property some steep topography with the river valley, uplands, and lowlands. This landscape provides many habitat types such as upland forest, floodplain forest, prairie, wetland, and river. More habitat types on a property can lead to greater biodiversity because it can support many types of plants, animals, and other organisms. We strive to improve the health of our ecosystems and biodiversity.

Much of the conservation work done at Hawthorn Hollow involves managing both non-native invasive species and aggressive native species. While invasive species are nonindigenous species that cause environmental harm when introduced to an ecosystem, almost all of our aggressive native species are plants that are no longer set back by fire that was once a critical component of our historic landscape. It is our historic landscape that we are trying to maintain as part of our natural heritage. Historic records and soils indicate that the uplands were likely prairie/savanna prior to European settlement and the Pike River floodplain was likely 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 the resilience of local flora and fauna. These efforts not only protect biodiversity but also promote ecological function, ensuring that native species thrive in their natural environments.

Research and Citizen Science

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

Hawthorn Hollow also believes in the use of citizen science research 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 inform conservation efforts at the sanctuary and on a regional scale.