Student Reflections from the Field
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Antioch Commons Restoration
By Robert Neifert ’03
Antioch College President, Joan Straumanis ’57, planted the first tree of the Antioch Commons Forest at a Tree Planting Ceremony on Friday, April 18, 2003. Since then about 350 one- to two-year-old native trees have been planted on the old Antioch Golf Course. The College is implementing a multi-use plan that includes planting a forest, establishing a meadow, adding interpretive trails and signage, starting a wildflower nursery, and planting an orchard beside the organic garden. This creative restoration will be an ongoing activity for both Antioch and the community for years to come, and a valuable educational tool.
This summer the focus was to care for the tree saplings that were planted near the corner of Corry and Allen Streets around the old plant nursery, or the “enchanted forest.” This involves mulching around the trees, putting up physical guards to protect them from deer browsing, and adding interpretive signage.
Another project is to replant areas that are already unmowed with native understory species such as paw-paws, and remove the invasives that are overtaking some areas. A wildflower nursery is being designed for native wildflowers in order to plant them directly into the meadow, as well as to collect seed. A half-acre warm-season meadow is being established, and in order to expand it over the course of years, seed can be provided from Antioch’s own nursery.
Both the Antioch and surrounding community members are invited to take part in all aspects of the restoration and multi-use plan, and to add their creative input and energy. As the plants begin growing, wildflowers will begin blooming. Kestrels, sparrows, bluebirds, owls, deer and many other wildlife species will begin using the area, and people will be walking along the nature trails that wind around the meadow and young forest.
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