We’ll need the community’s help and support!
In Craneridge, our mission is clear: to enhance our living environment through woodlands stewardship, shared property maintenance, and community building. For nearly 60 years, Craneridge neighbors have shared a sense of appreciation for the natural beauty that defines our unique community. Central to this mission is our commitment to preserving and enhancing our unique woodlands, which are the heart and soul of Craneridge.
However, as we all know, our aging woodlands face unprecedented challenges. Invasive species, disease, deer, and other threats are taking a toll on their health and vitality.
That’s why, after months of careful planning and dedication from the Woodlands & Habitat Committee, we are excited to unveil an ambitious reforestation project. While we’ve made significant progress in recent years by removing invasive plants and planting pollinator gardens, this year marks a significant milestone as we shift our focus to our beloved trees.
Project details
We’ll be planting a variety of 125 disease-resistant native trees and shrubs in an area of about 1,000 sq./ft., behind the Meadow Woodlands Path, which is directly behind Crane Road 15 and 16, and adjacent to 138 Deer Run. We’ve met with these neighbors, and they are fully in support of the project.
The trees will be planted more closely together (5 feet apart) replicating what happens in a forest. This established reforestation process generates much faster growth. Thousands of these forests have been planted around the globe in communities just like Craneridge. To protect the young trees from our overly robust deer population we will use temporary deer exclusion material, which will remain in place until the plants are big enough to withstand deer browsing. Sadly, deer are the #1 reason our woods are not naturally regenerating.
Invitation to support our mission…
and lend a hand
We ask each one of you to join us in this exciting endeavor. Together, we will breathe new life into our woodlands, strengthen our sense of community, and fulfill our Craneridge mission. It’s time to watch our reforestation project sprout and flourish. There are three options to join us. Sign-up here.
- General area clean-up of downed branches and debris, and area raking. (early Oct.)
- Planting weekend! Great for families. The area will be staked, holes dug, and potted trees ready to plant. (Sat./Sun. Oct. 28-29).
- Monitoring the plantings, the deer protection, as well as reporting deer damage to the Woodlands & Habitat Committee. (starting in November for at least a year or two)
Our first step
We know we have years of tree planting ahead of us. This project is just our first step. In spring of 2024, we’ll relaunch a tree planting education program for our neighbors so that your planted trees have a good chance at success!
Questions? Concerns? Ideas?
Contact Gwen Alegre, Sam Lewandowski, or Jen Parsons.
Craneridge Homeowners Association 
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