Each of these meadows is mowed annually to keep out woody species. This treatment leaves a disrupted community of native and non-native plants which is favored by many special animals. Goldfinches, song sparrows, field sparrows, chipping sparrows, bluebirds, woodcocks and yellow warblers all favor the open sunny meadows or woodland edges. Almost all of Aullwood's butterflies are found in the meadows. The ground litter abounds in meadow mice, shrews and other small mammals.
Insect life explodes in numbers and diversity as soon as spring arrives.
Spider populations respond quickly to the insect bounty. Another disturbed habitat at Aullwood is the lawn. At least every month during the growing season plants over three inches tall are destroyed. But, never ever would we use pesticides. The plant diversity in our lawns supports a diversity of life.