Our Vision for Castorfolk Farm

We have always enjoyed exploring parks and doing nature hikes. So much so that we’re making our own! Conservation plays a big role in our vision for this property. In addition to being a cut flower and pasture raised beef farm- we want to create prime native habitat.

Half of our property will be converted into a preserve of our own.

There are 4 major projects that we have in mind to make that happen:

1. Eradicate all the invasive plants on the property. Like most rural parcels, the fence lines and woodlands have been forgotten. At Castorfolk, we’re committed to doing our part and getting rid of every last bit of honey suckle, autumn olive , multi flora rose, ect. Whatever it takes.

2: Improve existing woodland. There are a few acres of woods on this property, which to our delight has several species of oak and hickory already at nut production age. However, the understory is completely overtaken by invasive exotic plants. Our goal is to remove all the invasive plants and introduce more native vegetation that is in line with Ohio historic Oak hickory woods.

3. Beyond the edge of the existing woods, we will be expanding the wooded acreage by converting old abandoned pasture into oak hickory woods. We have already planted over 100 oaks and hickory’s this spring but plan on introducing thousands more over the next 5 years. Each species we introduce has habitat and wildlife benefit as a priority. Which is why we are planting so many oaks, hickory and cherry trees. These are some of the best options to benefit as many native species as possible.

4. Extending past our designated wooded area will be oak Savanna. An important habitat type that is often overlooked. This area will consist of native grasses and wildflowers with clusters of oaks through. This provides bedding, browse and nectar for a myriad of species. And we can’t wait to watch them enjoy it.

All of this will take years to establish but this is our end vision. This is what we work on every day after work and this vision is what keeps us going. In between establishing native woods and Savanna and tending to the vegetable garden and flowers and cows we also have a 100 year old farm house that needs completely renovated. But it’s so hard to work on the house when it’s working on the land that we love.

Recently, we made our first cut of the nature trail for the year. Of course had to mow a path for mom to check out all the trees we have been planting this spring as part of our reforestation project. Follow our journey to creating a small farm and preserve 🐝 🌸 🌳