Best Management Practices for Golden-winged Warbler Habitat on Abandoned Farmlands in the Great Lakes
Since the early 20th century, abandoned farmland has become
an important component of the Great Lakes landscape.
When crop and pasture lands become inactive, they begin
succeeding into their pre-agricultural state, which is often
deciduous forest. The span of time from field to forest takes
decades, during which there is a period of years where the ratio
of herbaceous vegetation, shrubs, and young trees on a given
site can potentially create habitat for breeding Golden-winged Warblers (Figure 1). Without active management, this is a temporary
condition that typically persists for less than a decade.
Throughout the region there is an excellent opportunity, especially on private lands, to create habitat for Golden-winged Warbler
on abandoned farmlands. Perhaps the best opportunities exist on poorly drained soils that are too wet for pasture or crops.
Publication Date: 2013
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