Installing a Deer Fence: Community Work Party

Installing a Deer Fence: Community Work Party

Event Location: Ne'ata'q The Food Forest at Bluenose Academy

Storm date: Sun Sep 22

Led by Ne'ata'q Forest Operations Coordinator Wes Johnston.

We don't need to tell you the damage deer can do to the prized plants in your gardens! That's why we installed a deer fence around the first section of food forest before we planted anything. If you have come by the forest lately, you have seen how the fenced section is thriving and abundant with fruits, berries, herbs and more, in only its second growing season!

And you will also have seen the sad state of the second tiny ecosystem in the forest, planted last fall: the tiny Wabanaki forest, where our community has planted more than 100 native trees, shrubs and other perennials.

Why didn't we also fence the small native forest? Ne'ata'q Food Forest is all about learning and accessibility! We wanted to keep the forest open and accessible to students, and decided to risk some deer browsing, anticipating that they would be less interested in the woody native plants.

We underanticipated the voraciousness of our resident urban deer population! We learned that they are eating everything except a few prickly, hairy or pungent plants (spruce, juniper, bayberry, sweetfern and marshmallow). All other plant species are under threat! We have concluded that we cannot continue to pursue the native forest project without protection from our local urban deer.

Many hands make light work! We need at least 12 people - and more would be even more awesome! No experience needed. This will be a fairly physical work party, with post pounding, wire fence unrolling and pulling, and wire cutting and twisting. We also want to install some pliable willow arches on top to make it look nice and freak out the deer :) There are a variety of jobs, so everyone is welcome to help in whatever way they can.

Physical challenge level: medium

Be prepared: This is a hands-on outdoor workshop. Dress for work and the weather: layers, protective work/hiking boots, work clothes with long sleeves and work gloves (we have extra).

Bring: Your own drinking water/beverage; a snack will be provided.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Ne'ata'q The Food Forest at Bluenose Academy, 18 Tannery Road, Lunenburg, Canada