The Native Plant Project at Stonefield Farm

Yonah Kalikow, Forest Foundation Intern

Flooded fields in 2021

Flooded fields in 2021

When the Gleaners moved to Stonefield Farm in 2021, they were welcomed by two flooded front fields due to one of the rainiest summers on record. Since the Gleaners are committed to preserving the legacy of the land as a space for agricultural practices and ecological preservation, they embarked on a multi-year soil restoration project. This project will ensure that the Gleaners can continue growing nourishing produce on the land for those in need.

The soil restoration project was a multi-step process which included: moving around and adding more loam to the field, adjusting the grade of the soil, renovating the underground network of drainage pipes, planting a cover crop, and finally, creating a native wetland environment. 
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​The Gleaners began with soil grading, which is the process of moving the soil around to create a sloped or flat surface. Soil from other parts of the farm was brought onto the front fields in order to build up the ground surface. The soil was then leveled out and used to create a swale in the middle of the field. A swale is a channel with sloping sides that redirects water and creates a space for the water to be absorbed by the plants and the soil - a perfect solution to the continuous flooding. 
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Soil grading in process

The Gleaners also updated the tile drainage system in the front fields, initially installed by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s The tile drainage system is essentially an underground network of pipes that moves the excess water out of the field. The network of pipes is linked to a culvert, or tunnel, that goes under Martin Street to Fort Pond, where the excess water is discarded.
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After the creation of the new drainage systems, the next step was to restore soil fertility. To do this, the Gleaners planted a nourishing cover crop mix that included buckwheat, cowpeas, oats, japanese millet, sorghum, sunflowers and rapeseed. Planting a mixture of crops helps to restore nutrients in the soil, and having the right nutrients is key to plant growth and increased crop yield. Similarly, planting a cover crop also prevents soil erosion, due to the roots holding the ground in place. Therefore, by  improving the quality and structure of the soil now , the Gleaners can ensure healthy soil at Stonefield Farm in the future. The next part of the project was incorporating native wetland plants into the ecosystem. ​

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Digging the trench to update the tile drain underneath the field

Native plants!

For the creation of the native wetland environment, the Gleaners were able to secure a grant from the FruitGuys Community Fund in 2022. The grant provided funds to buy native wetland trees and plants to help control erosion around the flood area. 

​Much thought and care went into deciding which plants to include in the wetland habitat. The Gleaners consulted with Blue Stem Natives who helped to identify plants that will thrive in and support the current ecology of the land, while also supporting the soil and controlling erosion. Roughly 20 plants that are native to eastern Massachusetts were identified and planted in the designated wetland area including trees, grasses, and many flowering plants.

Many of the plants are pollinators that attract certain insects that will benefit the plants and the other crops being grown at Stonefield Farm. Thanks to the help of volunteers, all of the plants have been planted along the swale and will not only add beauty and wildlife, but will also help to mitigate erosion, absorb excess water and help to aerate the soil. 
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​The Gleaners are so excited to share this project with the public! If you are interested in viewing our new wetland area please contact [email protected]. If you’d like to learn more about the native plant species that we have planted, check out this plant guide. ​

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Layout of the native plants suggested by the consultant

Volunteers and staff planting

Volunteers and staff planting