Forest Mulching Trail System Around Future Goat Grazing Paddock

Access is critical to raising small animals under forest cover. Trails allow a farmer to bring food and water to animals while supporting light vehicle movement. Using forest mulching conserves previous carbon sequestration while feeding the forest.

Many property owners clear-cut, or bulldoze to create access on land. The problem with these methods is the destruction of soil biology. It is a cheap way to access land that you'll pay for over the life of ownership.

A stewardship approach is to use minimal parameters and contour access across the property. This means all paths that cross the property are as level as possible. Trail design considers erosion, natural terrain, habitat, and future use.

Rather than removing or burning biomass, only small trees are shred into mulch that becomes forest floor on-site. This mulch feeds the forest ecology, including mycorrhiza and beneficial insects. Forest mulching also protects the soil, reduces the potential for erosion, and feeds the soil.

To learn more about forest ecology visit the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, https://serc.si.edu/labs/forest-ecology

These paths are for light-duty access. While the paths are wide enough for a full-size truck, a UTV/ATV with everyday use won't leave any impact. This trail system enhances the owner's desire for low-intensity hiking, mountain bikes, and access to animals in a silvopasture-style system.

If you have five acres or more and want to learn more about sustainable land management, then ask your questions in the comments, or visit https://www.prosperityhomestead.org/newsletter/