The Woodlawn Museum is a 180-acre historic estate located a quarter mile from downtown Ellsworth, Maine. Once home to three generations of the Black family, it is now treasured for the Black House, its historic house museum, community and formal gardens, and its public park with walking trails. Prentiss & Carlisle’s Woodlot Management Services team was brought in to help restore the forest’s health, reduce fire risk, and promote the next generation of forest growth.
“Prentiss & Carlisle took great care to understand and meet our forest management needs and to develop a customized plan for us — they don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach at all. This was especially important because of the unique nature and high visibility of our property. P&C woodlot manager Tom Nelson always took time to explain what his crew was doing — and why — as people walked by on the trails. Even those with initial concerns now call to say the Woodlawn woods look great!”
Josh TorranceThe Woodlawn Museum
Our Objectives at The Woodlawn Museum
- Improve Forest Health
We removed dead, dying, and “suppressed” trees – trees whose growth was stunted by overcrowding – revitalizing the 120-acre Woodlawn forest and encouraging new growth. - Diversify Forest
As we opened up dense areas, new and young trees began to grow again. - Protect & Diversify Wildlife
A wide age range of healthy trees can now provide habitats to new and more varied wildlife. -
Reduce Fire Hazard
We cleared fallen trees and dead, dry wood from the forest, reducing “fuel load” and therefore fire risk for both the Woodlawn Museum and the surrounding community. - Preserve Trail System
We removed dead wood and fallen trees that were blocking the trails, so they’re clear of debris and and safe for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Our Harvest Technique
For the Woodlawn harvest, we selected a cut-to-length harvesting system because of its low impact on the forest. The processor selects, fells, delimbs, and stacks the trees right in the forest, and the forwarder carries it out. The cut-to-length method also leaves branches and treetops on the ground, where they become an important source of nutrients for the remaining trees and act as a ground cover, reducing erosion and protecting the ground.