Habitats are areas where plants, animals and other organisms live and find adequate amounts of food, water, shelter and space needed to sustain their populations. At Boxerwood we have identified the following habitats:

   Springs (There are two, both in the South Gulley) - Spring House & Sacrificial Spring                             

   Pond  (The New Pond) - This is a runoff pond.  As a result its water supply is as changing as the weather.  It can go from being completely dry during a drought to overflowing in a relatively short period of time.  We presume the turtles and frogs that live here have learned to adjust.

   Wetlands  (The Old Pond ) - Dr. Munger had the Old Pond built in the early 50’s before building his home.  When built, the pond was deep enough for swimming.  There was even a  pier for diving.  However, its location  at the confluence of two ravines made the pond the inevitable recipient of silt, erosion, and anything else riding the waters on their way downhill.  Over time, the pond has gone from 8 - 10 feet deep to less than 2 feet in most areas.  It also receives and filters a high level of nitrates from the golf course next door. 

   Established Woods - Usually when we say a wood is established we mean you will find several layers of plant material.  You might have the higher canopy of mature trees such as our Great Oak.  Under that, you’ll find lower growing mature trees and shrubs, such as dogwoods, redbuds, and Japanese maples. Among  and below the middle story, you’ll find even smaller trees, shrubs, and herbaceous materials.

    Hedgerow - This is an area where trees and shrubs are less dense.  The grasses found in the open meadows begin to appear in the hedgerow because sun can reach the ground here and there are still places to hide.  Meadow grasses and established forests are not compatible.  In addition, wild animals feel safer as they move from dense woods to an open  field if they have the intermediate hedgerow to allow them to study the field without feeling overly exposed. 

   Meadow -   Grasses, wildflowers, and other herbaceous material make this area attractive to birds, small mammals, and deer.  The small mammals make it attractive to owls and hawks.

   Pioneer Forest -  In the late 80’s several acres of white pine attracted pine bark borers and finally we removed the trees.  Rather than re-cultivate the area, we allowed one part to go wild (with a maze for humans to walk through and watch) and we edited the other part, i.e. chose from what the birds had planted keeping some and removed others.