Collection of short pieces on a variety of topics pertaining to ChicoryLane Farm. They range from perceptions and reflections from an early morning walk to broader musings on ecological perception and practices based on order of magnitude of parcel size.
They are the kinds of writings one would find in a blog, but included here to make them more easily accessible and less encumbered than would be the case were they embedded in blog software.
Human - AI Ecology: A Vision of a Possible Future
This think-piece begins with a brief 80 year history of human-computer engagement in intellectual pursuits. It urges beinnning now to plan for the emergence of a second apex species of very different conscious, intelligent beings. It suggests that a combination of ecologicl and constitutional concepts concepts may provide a way to address numerous previously unencountered issues and to avoid a potentially disasterous hegemonic competition. (2026)Conservation Realism: A Long-Duration System of Incentives, Constraints, and Responsibilities
Conservation projects often succeed in the short term and erode in the long term. A more durable approach treats each ecological area as a continuing responsibility rather than a completed task. Under this model, improvement projects are paired with a modest, dedicated fund and a shared stewardship agreement. Income from the fund supports light but ongoing management. (2026)A Vision for the ChicoryLane Foundation
ChicoryLane as a Place-Based Ecological Foundation, as Ilustrated by the 2026 Symposium, Understanding and Engaging the Natural World. (2026)ChicoryLane Ecotope Initiative
Consideration for a new initiative at CbhicoryLane. (2026)Hausmann/Smith House at ChicoryLane
Structural analysis of the log house at ChicoryLane. (2025)Barns
Story about two barns at ChicoryLane. (2025)Dendrochronology Study of Chicorylane House and Barn
Tree ring dating of log samples from the house and barn at ChicoryLane Farm. (2024)Managing Land Ecologically Using Perspective of�Scale
Musings on ecological enhancement for properties of different orders of magnitude by size. Addresses both conception and practices. (2017)Managing Land For Ecological Diversity
A five-step approach to managing land for ecological diversity. Steps include
- cataloging plants
- identifying plant communities
- identifying vision and goals
- identifying plants to be added or removed
- developing a management plan
(2013)ChicoiryLane Surroundings
A History of Changes in the Smith' Land Relative to the Surrounding Landscape. (2012)Values and Goals
Early thoughts on values and goals for ChicoryLane Farm. Emphasizes ecological enhancement, education and research, and aesthetic awareness and enjoyment of natural landscape. (2012)Perceptions of the Place
A look back at changing views of ChicoryLane Farm and living on the farm over a nearly 40-year period. (2012)Weed Walk: Graminoids
Recollections from a fall weed walk at ChicoryLane Farm by members of the Pennsylvania Native Plant Society, emphasizing Graminoids. (August, 2013)A Spring Weed Walk
Recollections of a weed walk at ChicoryLane Farm with a group of seventeen visitors sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). (2012)A Sense of Place
Musings on developing and having a sense of place. (2012)
October, 2017
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