I think one reason I like the American Beech tree is because it hangs on to its leaves when leaves on other trees have fallen away - it speaks of a warmer time.  Beech leaves will stay on the tree through the wind, ice and snow, only to drop in the spring when the new leaves are ready to make an appearance.  So why do the leaves stay on certain deciduous trees?  Because they share a genetic trait called marcescense, and are referred to as marcescent trees.

In short, what happens is that in non-marcescant trees (think maples, tulip tree...) a skin (called an abscission layer) forms between the leaf stalk and the branch, allowing the leaf to fall off in the late fall.  In marcescent trees, this doesn't happen, so the leaf stays on the tree.  In addition to the American Beech, the Ironwood and certain oak species are marcescent deciduous trees.  If you'd like to read more about marcescent trees, check out this link.

I spent several hours over the last 2 weeks digging an prepping 6 new beds at The Highlands EC.  Once dug (shout out to Lauren for some digging assistance!), I hauled in bags of chopped up leaves and smothered the freshly dug soil with leaf debris and then added a layer of compost.  I have a few more loads of compost to go;  then the beds will be ready for winter.  In the spring, I'll till the soil and sow some seeds!

In my last Notes, I mentioned a new docent-like training program for folks interested in helping with some of our larger, group visits during the spring and summer.  Thank you, to those who emailed me. I believe I replied to each of you, if you haven't heard from me, please let me know! If you are still thinking about whether or not you want to get involved, please just go for it and send me an email at education@pennypackfarm.org!

I've met with educators at local public and private schools about the Edible Classroom and our educational programs. People are definitely interested in our offerings and I am looking forward to seeing more kids on the farm and in The Highlands EC next summer.

I'll leave you with a photo and memory of digging the trench for the electric cable at The Highlands.  We spent days digging the 42" trench and then adding 6" of fine gravel before the cable was installed.  The conversations in the trench were great - yoga at the farm, poison ivy remedies and recipes.  In this photo, Rocki was telling Katie how she makes fresh toritllas!  Gotta love it!

Wondering what else is going on at the farms?  Check out our facebook page .

Have a good week and stay warm.