By Andi Anderson
Iowa Learning Farms will host a woodland management field day on Thursday, November 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Jody and Jim Kerns’ farm near Edgewood. The event is free for farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
The field day will focus on the benefits of woodland management for both financial returns and environmental improvements.
Iowa’s 2.1 million acres of forest land are among the nation’s most productive for high-quality hardwoods, particularly oak and walnut. Northeast Iowa’s fertile soils make it a prime region for growing some of the best hardwoods in the world.
However, much of this land is not managed to its full potential for either timber production or ecological benefits. Managing woodlands can improve water quality, wildlife habitats, and provide financial returns from tree sales.
The event will feature Jody and Jim Kerns, longtime farmer partners with Iowa Learning Farms, who will share their 30 years of experience in woodland establishment and management. They will also discuss their efforts to restore a degraded woodland area, where the field day will take place.
Weather permitting, attendees will join a woodland tour led by Emma Kerns, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach forestry field specialist. She will provide insights on where to begin with woodland management and review the forestry management plan for the property.
Dave Asche, district forester from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will conclude the program with a discussion on managing forests under the Conservation Stewardship Program.
The field day will be held at Kerns Farm, located at 1463 200th Ave., Manchester. Although the event is free, attendees are required to RSVP by November 1 to ensure adequate space and meals.
For reservations and accommodations, contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu. Attendees will also have a chance to win ISU Prairie Strips honey.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Iowa, Education