LAND STEWARDSHIP AT THE ACREAGE
The Acreage is dedicated to the conservation and safeguarding of our natural surroundings. We uphold our principles through initiatives such as enhancing pollinator and wildlife habitats, overseeing woodland peripheries, cultivating native prairie vegetation, controlling invasive species, promoting white pine regrowth, and undertaking agroforestry projects to improve soil health and improve biodiversity.
This land boasts a rich natural heritage. Once, majestic white pines dominated the landscape, creating a thriving habitat for wildlife and sustaining indigenous communities. However, in the 1800s, the logging of white pine and the subsequent shift to an agricultural economy irreversibly altered the natural balance of the St. Croix River Valley ecosystem.
Today, traces of the once-dominant white pines remain, but they have been replaced mainly by maple, oak, butternut, and basswood. Birch and poplar also thrive alongside their woodland companions, while red pines line the edges of the river's bluffs.
At The Acreage, we are actively involved in various conservation efforts to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and safeguard our watershed. Our commitment to pesticide-free practices ensures diverse ecosystems' continued vitality and well-being.
OUR LAND
MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES
The Acreage is taking action to improve local ecosystems effected by the impacts of climate change and human activity on the land.
Our LAND Practices
Use of pesticide-free practices to improve soil health and protect our waterways.
We are building and maintaining a 9-acre pollinator meadow to increase habitat for forage and improved soil health.
Preserving our oak savanna by managing our woodland edge and under story.
Host a composting program to recycle organic waste and to add more biology to the soil.
Maintain a 25 acre prairie for carbon sequestration and water retention
Increase native plantings to return the land to a pre-agricultural state
Began a White Pine regeneration project to bring back the legacy trees of our region
Practice no/low till field management and use of cover crops to reduce erosion, increase water retention, and add nutrients to the soil
Initiated agroforestry projects to increase wildlife and pollinator habitat, improve water quality, and protect the soil from erosion.
Manage invasive species for improved biodiversity.
Visit the Field Notes section of our web site to learn more about how The Acreage and our partners and working to ensure ecosystem longevity in the St Croix Valley.
Sign up for our newsletter below to learn about volunteer opportunities to support our work.
JOIN US AT
THE ACREAGE
The Acreage is open for programs and events throughout the year. Check out our events page to learn more about upcoming opportunities to explore, discover, and connect at The Acreage.
