Road Construction by Mulching

Building a road from mulching is a new project we are trying to see how it will work.  In the future we will be adding gravel to the road in places where needed,  Where we are in Alabama most of our property is hilly.  Erosion can become a problem quickly because of the grade.  We purchased this piece of property to give us access to another public road so we don't have to ask permission to haul our wood out or what ever we might be doing on the north end of our property.  I marked the location of the road with the thought of log trucks using it and with the least amount of disturbance to the property.  A mulching machine cut the road through the forest and we will not have to worry about erosion for now with only a jeep, occasional tractor and sometimes a pickup traveling the road.  This road makes for a good hiking trail.  We are now installing a gate at the public road to control access to the property.

More pictures from the work.

This is through the mature pine stand.

Sharing With Others "Classroom in the Forest"

Tuesday and Wednesday of last week we hosted "Classroom in the Forest" on two overcast days with some drizzle on our property.  There were over 160 5th graders that got out and walked in the forest! Students from all over our county were represented in the visit.

This project is made available by the Alabama Treasure Forest Association. Funding comes from the automobile tag sales when purchasing a Treasure Forest tag for your vehicle in Alabama.  It pays for Porta-potties and busing the students to the property.

The day gets kicked off with getting to know the property and if rocks could talk.  

They go on a hike on one of our trails where they learn a little about tree identification and wildlife habitat. 

We have professionals, stakeholders, and other landowners talk to the students about what and why a forest is called a Treasure Forest. 

Even though we are a rural county and 92% forest land, so many of the boys and girls never have the opportunity or those that do, never take the time to get out into the forest.

The students have several other activities about the forest they complete during the day.

They ended their day on the property with lunch on the ground before having to return to school.

This Weeks Tree News

There was a good news article shared by Kathy Westra that puts together the American Forest Foundation, Friday-Week in Trees- Tree News from Around The World.  The article was taken from the Anniston Star.  The article is about the Longleaf Pine Trail being constructed in Calhoun County.

Here is the link: http://www.annistonstar.com/life/you-ll-never-believe-what-alabama-s-forests-used-to/article_1409d2b0-7f26-11e5-bd39-e37915eae27d.html?utm_source=WIT110615&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=WeekInTrees

Go to this link to see more tree news: https://www.forestfoundation.org/american-forest-foundation-blog

Life on the Property

Our property is multiple use.  This month we have camped with the grandchildren, helped gathered leaves for a school project, repaired tree stands, planted fall wildlife crops, checked game cameras, prepared part of our property for 200 fifth graders to attend Classroom in the Forest. 

We have also attended the annual Treasure Forest Association State meeting and traveled to Moultrie, Georgia for the Ag Expo. 

This weekend we are going to try to slow down and enjoy the Fall foliage which is really looking spectacular here in late October.

Stream Crossing and Forest Management

Last week on September the 15th a forestry tour was held on Dewberry Lands.  The purpose of the tour was to see forest roads that had water diversions added and to see a stream crossing designed by NRCS engineers that had been installed.  On the tour other topics about forest management were incorporated.  People attending ranged from as far north as Cherokee County and as far south as Autauga  County.  There were between 50 and 60 people in attendance.  This was a joint project between several groups: Dewberry Lands (Lamar and Felicia Dewberry), Coosa Valley RC&D, Alabama Tree Farm Committee, Alabama Treasure Forest Association, Alabama NRCS, Alabama Soil And Water Conservation Committee, Clay County Forestry Planning Committee, Alabama Forestry Commission, and the U.S. Forestry Service.     

The Project was a great success!

First stop in a 21 year old pine stand that had prescribed fire used in it.  Wildlife management was also discussed.

A map was used to give the visitors a better understanding of the property while speakers spoke.

The weather was delightful for the tour, a beautiful September day.

The main focus of the tour was a recently constructed stream crossing designed by one of the  NRCS's engineers.

Details were given on how the crossing was constructed and about the requirements for soil and water quality in a construction site.

After the outdoor tour participates enjoyed a very good catered meal with good fellowship and discussion.

Dr. William Puckett, the new Director for Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Service and former State Conservationist, spoke about the importance of landowners and conservation efforts.

   
Curt Simon, the acting NRCS State Conservationist, was introduced and gave a presentation about NRCS Programs.

At the conclusion of the program Nick Jordan with the Alabama Forestry Commission, made a presentation to Ron Dewberry of his sign as his forestland having been recently certified as a Treasure Forest. 

Wildlife Tab

Click the wildlife tab to see how the deer took to eating sunnhemp in our summer food-plots.

Update To Forest Roads

In less than a week we will be having a forestry tour on our property which will be addressing a stream crossing and water diversions on forest roads.  We take special care in protecting the watershed on our property.  Some may say it is an overkill, but I think you should do all possible to protect the soil, water and other natural resources on your property.  

Below is a picture of progression of the work we just completed. 

The water diversions were put in on the roads using a John Deere 660 dozier.

This is what the road looked like as the construction progressed.

As soon as the soil moving was complete, three large round bales of hay were scattered over all the exposed soil after seed and fertilizer was applied.

Before planting and mulching.

After planting and mulching.

This was a family affair. I had both my son and daughter and their five children, my grandchildren, helping me scatter the last bale of hay. Children ages one to eight, some worked more than others.

Seed germination is encouraged and erosion discouraged by applying the hay.

This is what the road now looks like as the grass begins to grow after the rain.

This is just some of the things people will see next week on the tour.