10/24/2007-Fall Timber Work

With both schools in Worth County now having an Ecology program, this fall was unique in that we had students involved in managing our county forests.  This fall did not turn out to be a fall of harvest, more a fall of renewal. 

At our Brunsvold Haugen area, last winters harvested area needs replanting.  It is necessary to clear the buckthorn to allow sunlight to reach for forest floor and for new growth to have a chance.  So dozer work.  5 acres of mostly buckthorn were pushed into piles and next spring we will plant seedling trees in tubex tree shelters. 

Students were instrumental in operating equipement to scrape back the invasive buckthorn trees.  It was a learning experience for all, and for many, the first time to sit behind a powerful piece of machinery. 

At our Ochee Yahola area, we are clearing the buckthorn from 2 acres and will plant tree seeds this fall.  The acorns and walnuts will be lightly disked into the ground. 

So, two different methods of replanting.  The Ochee area will be very densely seeded, hopefully enough that the deer won’t eat them all and some will grow up into new oaks and walnuts.  Cheap and relatively quick to plant.  The Brunsvold Haugen area takes the opposite approach.  Larger more expensive trees, planted and protected from the deer. 

So, if your favorite area is undergoing a bit of management practices this fall, please try to take the long view that it will be an improved woods for the future.