Although mankind inevitably has impact upon the natural landscape, nature’s reaction and resilience is evident in our surroundings. Confirmation of this can be seen through signs of ecological succession and 100 Acres stands as a prime example of this.

Based on the known history of the site, the land was cleared and cultivated for agricultural use as early as a century ago. In the 1960s, the land was cleared and quarried, creating the lake. For nearly 30 years afterwards, the property was left untouched. Ecological succession became evident as pioneer plants (including exotic invasives) repopulated the area. In the past decade, work began to remove the invasive species and to encourage native growth to return to the site.

Humans can have prominent and long-lasting impacts on the environment. Other forces of nature can also impact areas. Often subtle but occasionally significant natural influences are inevitable as the regional ecosystem is in constant flux with the weather and seasons. An example of this is the impact of occasional flood waters, and yet subtle erosion happens every day along the shore of the lake and the banks of the river.

Current work on the site involves encouraging native succession by removing and managing invasive species. Clearing areas that contain mass groves of honeysuckle, for example, allow space and sunlight for native species to become reestablished. The development of the Park has offered the opportunity for planting native species. To date, approximately 70 species have been introduced to the site with the goal of bolstering the seed bank and increasing diversity. A healthy understory is vital to the wellbeing of the Park’s environment, providing food and shelter for much of the native wildlife.

Much change has happened on the site, however a few pockets remain of what might be considered old growth stands. These areas are along the strip of land between the lake and the river. Aerial photographs from the 1920s reveal much of the site had been cleared for farmland, except for the land along the river bank.

Year 1937 Year 1941 Year 1956 Year 1962 Year 1970