Posts by Peter Smallidge

Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester and Director, Arnot Teaching and Research Forest, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, NY 14853.   
Next Forest Beech Photo 4

Anticipating the Next Forest: Ecology and Management for Sustaining Forests

By Peter Smallidge / October 3, 2022

Consider a long-term time frame to think about private forests specifically and broadly; how they used to look, how they have changed, and visualize what future private forests will provide…

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SFQ woodland fig 2

Annual Maintenance in Support of Woodland Management

By Peter Smallidge / April 4, 2022

Woodland owners have different styles of management, from fairly casual to fairly regimented. All different strategies can work, but there are annual maintenance, management and practical activities that are enjoyable,…

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Brush saws can be used to clear subcanopy trees and shrubs.

Clearing a Woodland Understory

By Peter Smallidge / April 5, 2021

Question:  I was visiting a friend’s woodlot last fall. They had logged much of the ash due to Emerald Ash borer and expanded those openings into patches to allow for…

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Features of Trees 2

Features of Trees Useful for Identification

By Peter Smallidge / January 11, 2021

Learning to identify the trees on your property will help you enjoy and better manage your land.  Woodland owners who learn how to identify the trees and other vegetation on…

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The Benefit of Markets for Managing Low-Grade Trees

By Peter Smallidge / April 6, 2020

Low-grade trees may be aesthetically attractive and have other than economic benefits. Considerable attention is given to high-value trees, particularly how to grow them and their value when harvested. The harvest of just the…

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low grade trees figure 4

The Benefit of Markets for Managing Low-Grade Trees

By Peter Smallidge / January 13, 2020

Low-grade trees may be aesthetically attractive and have other than economic benefits.  Considerable attention is given to high-value trees, particularly how to grow them and their value when harvested. The harvest of just the…

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downed tree

Managing Woodlands to Improve Wildlife Habitat

By Peter Smallidge / October 7, 2019

Manipulations of the trees can create new and varied habitats for wildlife. Most landowners own their land for a variety of reasons, though at any point in time one objective…

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Aren’t They All Just Pines? How to ID Needle-Bearing Trees

By Peter Smallidge / February 11, 2019

Fall and winter are great seasons to learn about the needle-bearing trees that most people call “pines.” These trees have needles, and may also be called evergreen. Most are within…

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Managing Small Woodlot Parcels

By Peter Smallidge / July 2, 2018

In New York and most of the Eastern states, the greatest proportion of woodland owners have relatively small parcels.  A “small” parcel size is not defined, but often considered to be…

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Managing Small Woodlot Parcels

By Peter Smallidge / June 28, 2018

In New York and most of the Eastern states, the greatest proportion of woodland owners have relatively small parcels.  A “small” parcel size is not defined, but often considered to be…

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