There are three phases in the restoration process. Let’s dig into the planning, planting and maintenance.
Planning (up to 10 years ahead)
Once an area is identified, our team starts the process of getting a site ready to plant. This involves clearing the weeds or storm damaged trees, and controlling weeds and animal pests, to give the new vegetation the best chance of survival. This stage might take several years before even thinking about planting.
While the section is cleared, we research which native plants call that area home, will survive our weather, and attract wildlife when they’re established. Then, our Berhampore Nursery sources the right seeds and germinates the seedlings, a process that alone can take 2-3 years.
Planting (up to a year)
In comparison, planting happens mostly in a few months each year, over hōtoke (winter) when the rain gives the best start to the 100,000 seedlings we plant every year.
Plants are carefully matched to the area and conditions they’ll be planted in, such as our coastal areas or town belt.