Berry Hill Farm an asset to Culpeper

Thank you for your article on Berry Hill Farm in Monday’s issue of the Star-Exponent. In addition to the incredible history at Berry Hill Farm, Mrs. Schneider was recognized last fall with the 2008 Forestry Award by Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District and the Virginia Department of Forestry.

A few facts about Berry Hill Farm:

- It includes 960 acres, 760 of which is a working forest

- About 500,000 trees have been planted over 10 years

- There are: 3,128 feet of skid trail stabilization, 257 acres of woodland harvesting and a 50-foot buffer along 4,139 feet of stream (the property is bordered by Flat Run and Mountain Run)

- The farm has 2 acres of wildlife habitat development (sunflowers bordering corn fields), about 87 acres of invasive species control and 3 acres of pre-commercial crop tree release

- 257 acres have been clear cut, but loggers are required to follow Virginia Department of Forestry best management practices and replant all of the acres that are harvested

- Berry Hill takes aggressive control measures against the invasive Ailanthus

- About 200 acres are used by a neighboring dairy farmer to supply crops for his farm operation.

- Berry Hill has been certified through the American Tree Farm System since 1988 and has had a stewardship plan since 1994. It is an asset to our community both for its history and conservation of its woodlands.

Stephanie R. DeNicola
Communications specialist
Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District