The Lansdowne sycamore, pictured here, was likely planted by Lenape or Swedes around 400 years ago to demarcate a spring alongside a trail. Though it is all that remains of the original forest in its area, it has served people and wildlife for four centuries and shows the potential of planting a single tree.
Shelterwood Forest Farm is a small 18-acre project in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Pennsylvania. Our goal is to explore innovative methods of combating climate change and creating spaces for biodiversity to thrive, with a focus on low-tech and small scale solutions accessible to backyard gardeners and ecological professionals alike.
The name 'shelterwood' derives from a forestry practice that retains mature trees to seed in and provide shelter for the next generation of forest. We strongly believe in the value of maintaining and propagating the last truly ancient trees in eastern North America, and much of our seed stock is sustainably sourced from these sentinels - including state and national champion trees.
This project was co-founded by Max Paschall and Zander Tippett in 2016.