The site called the old field, was used to grow crops for many years. When the FWG took it over in late 1997, it allowed the plants to grow up, and planned to mow every few years to keep it at a stage of early succession. However, that didn't really work out quite as planned, although it was mowed several times. Initially, the field was thick with canada thistle, a non-native species. After a few years, the thistles decreased dramatically, goldenrod began to creep in, and one years asters were abundant. Then raspberries appeared and now, with goldenrod, form a substantial part of the flora there. Dog-strangling vine also began to spread despite best efforts to weed it out year after year. Looking back at old photos, one sees that the old field was far more grassy than it is now when grass is uncommon. It would be nice to return it to that state, and plans are being worked on.