“Keeping records enhances the pleasure of the search…”- Aldo Leopold Leaf pick-up is happening in our neighborhood this week, which means it is time to prepare for winter. In fact, we saw our first snow last week. Although the lovely colors of fall are almost gone, I did come across a few hold-outs as I […]
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What do the different paint colors mean?
Ever wondered what all the trees painted in the woods was about? Each color has a specific use and needs to be recognized by the landowner, forester and logger. We are setting up a timber sale in a part of our woodland where we have harvested in the past. It will have been about 15 […]
Journaling changes in your woods
This past spring I decided to start a new project, which I’ve chronicled on our Facebook page . On the first of the month, I pack up the dog and camera, and head out to the woods to get photos of whatever is growing at that time of the year. It was such a nice […]
Harvest timber and pay less taxes
You can reduce the amount you pay in taxes following a timber harvest just by knowing and using your basis. We recently acquired a parcel, next to the original homestead, that we had been hoping would come on the market. It gives us a bit more frontage along the creek that passes through our property. […]
Harvesting trees in the right order
Getting your forest filled with trees that are healthy and fast growing is all about removing the right trees in the right order. I was recently walking in a friend’s woodlot (let’s call him Steve) and he was picking my brain on what he needs to do to get his woods in shape. Eventually we […]
Measuring distances in your woods using your pace
You don’t need to use a tape measure or GPS unit to find out how far you walked. You can do that easily by counting the number of steps you take. I thoroughly enjoy anytime I get to walk in the woods. I encounter something new every time, and there is always something interesting just […]
Managing sprouts in your forest
Sprouts from roots or stumps are common form of tree regeneration and need special care to become healthy trees. I feel we are pretty fortunate to have on our property a number of different trees that can grow well from sprouts. I say that because getting these trees to come back after harvesting can be […]
Vernal pools are springing up
My original assignment for this article was to write another wildlife monitoring piece. With the weather warming up though, my mind was wandering to the greener side of things. I’ve seen some green poking through the soil, so instead I’m going to talk about a specific type of wildlife habitat, what wildlife might use it, […]
Forest openings for wildlife
Creating an opening in your woods to attract wildlife isn’t difficult if you build it right and maintain it. My wife truly enjoys seeing wildlife on our property and at the old homestead. And we do quite a bit to get a variety of wildlife to visit and stay on our land; from creating brush […]