Volunteers were out at Indian Ford Meadow Preserve recently fencing in a stand of aspens. This work was a continuation of the aspen restoration project that started early this spring. Crews first thinned juniper from the aspen stand and the fencing work party was help to keep deer from browsing new aspen shoots. The new solar-powered electric fence will be in place for a few years to be sure that the young aspens have time to get established.

According to a recent Forest Service bulletin, aspen dominated lands in the West have decreased by approximately 9.6 million acres since settlement times. Key factors contributing to the decline include wildlife browsing and lack of ground fires. It is predicted that most aspen stands will eventually be replaced by conifers and other plants. The Land Trust's aspen restoration project will help slow this prediction by providing habitat for wildlife and preserving this unique species.