Deer Exclosure
Deer have devastated Hillside Woods' understory, and we are seeking to regenerate it for the health of the forest. According to forestry experts, deer fencing is the most sure-fire way to preserve our sylvan ecosystem. The Village has installed permanent deer fencing along the pink lines as drawn below. S-gates along main trails allow public access through the exclosure.
The area outlined is approximately 30 acres, or just under one-third of Hillside Park and Woods, and equal to 10% of the contiguously forested area that includes Children's Village. Bartlett Tree Company has begun to remove heavy invasives inside the exclosure, after which we will plant a mixture of native understory plants and trees.
Fencing is set back from the forest edge and consists of 8' woven wire mesh and fence posts.
Pedestrian entrances have "S"-gates to allow people and small animals to enter, which don't need swinging doors or hinges that could accidentally be left open and reintroduce deer.
However, the passageways needed to be wide enough to meet ADA accessibility rules, and the deer were able to navigate them. The Village added spring-gates, which together with the S-mazes, should do the job.
Hanging from the swing gates or damaging the fencing threatens the ecosystem we are seeking to restore. Please be kind to the fencing.
People are not excluded!
The exclosure has 7 "S" gates to which we added spring-gates, which together with S gates should provide defense against deer. PLEASE keep your dog leashed in Hillside Woods, and especially in the exclosure. Dogs disturb ground-nesting birds and other wildlife, and their poop alters soil chemistry (adding unwanted excess nitrogen and pathogens).
