More Atlantic white cedar trees will soon be growing in Delaware’s Ponders Tract as part of an effort to turn the former plantation into a more diverse forest.
The Nature Conservancy and 18 volunteers planted 600 Atlantic white cedar seedlings at the Ponders Tract in Ellendale last week.
The Atlantic White Cedar is an evergreen species. It’s native in Atlantic border states from Maine to Florida.
The Nature Conservancy says the trees provide shelter for many birds, and are a source of food for some caterpillars.
Deer fencing was installed around the planting to prevent deer from getting close to and eating the seeds.
The Nature Conservancy began restoring the Ponders Tract shortly after acquiring the property in 2004.
Oak, hickory and red maple are just a few of the species the conservancy has added to the 240 acres of pine plantation over the years.
