In July, Essex County Natural Resources Conservation District hired Clara Fernandez Odell as their new Working Lands and Nursery Specialist. With a background ranging from managing commercial sheep and hay in Vermont to being a member of a forestry and restoration crew, she’s now focusing on expanding the district’s native tree nursery among her other responsibilities. When asked about her work Clara shared, “I’m passionate about ecologically, economically, and socially resilient farms and forests and believe that working landscapes are a cornerstone of healthy rural communities.”
The native trees and shrubs raised at the district’s nursery in Ferdinand include Silver Maple, Speckled Alder, Pussy Willow, and many additional native species. They are grown from seeds collected by district staff, the Intervale Conservation Nursery and Northwoods Stewardship Center. The nursery currently has 400 stems available – reach out for an up-to-date inventory and price list. In the next few years, they aim to grow 5,000 to 10,000 trees a year.
These trees will be sold to other conservation organizations to be used in restoration projects throughout Vermont. It’s important to have plants cultivated in similar environments to where they will spend the rest of their lives for improved viability. By having the nursery, the district is providing a local source of woody plants for partner restoration organizations and local landowners.
Initial funding for the nursery was provided by the Great Lakes Fisheries Committee through Vermont Fish and Wildlife and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. The district aims for the nursery to be self-sustaining from tree and shrub sales within the next few years.
Photo: Collecting seeds. Photo by Essex County NRCD.