Mulched Road

We have just had a road constructed through our property for easier access and it will give us another access to a public road.  The road was mulched and not dozed so there should not be any erosion.  I marked the location of the road for easiest travel and will start using it for travel soon.

Lots of Small Bucks

This year we are seeing a large number of small bucks.  This is a very positive thing because we only harvest large and more mature bucks.  This is the deer we will be hunting in three to four years.  We are planting more high protein crops and are waiting to see what our results will be.  We have pictures of at least twelve different bucks that are very young and vary in size from spikes to small eight pointers.  Just about every where we place the camera we get at lest one picture of a small buck.

Where are the big ones from last year?  Well we didn't get a picture of a good buck until the middle of December last year.  They are much more experienced in when and where to stay until it gets closer to the rut.

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

Busy October

October has been a busy month.  The month started with the Annual meeting of the Alabama Treasure Forest Association.  This started on a Thursday night with a board meeting, on Friday Educational seminars with a banquet, and ended on Saturday with a tour on forest management. 

I continued to bush hogging fields and roads and planting fall fields.  Some are really starting to look good.

I had some help inspecting tree stands to make sure they were safe but I have many more to check.

We did take time for camping with the grandchildren.  One did not want to leave when we got all packed up.  She said she wanted to stay another night.

Mattie had to have a leaf for a classroom project so we got out and found her one.  She took extras to class for the other boys and girls that might not have the opportunity to go into the forest and get a leaf. 

Then it was on to Moultrie, Georgia for the Ag Expo.  We get invited back each year because we competed in the Southeastern Farmer of  the Year in 2008.  This is always a good trip attending the banquet, seeing the Expo and learning about new equipment.

Then we were to host 200 fifth grade students on our property for Classroom in the Forest but the rain postponed it till the first of November.  I had been working on the trail and clearing spots to do the forest activities.  Well October is going fast and it has been a busy month.

Stream Crossing and Forest Road Tour

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. 

Road Work Continues

The grass has started to germinate here where we have completed installation of water diversions on this stretch of road .  Seed were planted, fertilizer applied and three large round bales of hay were scattered to control erosion and then the rains came.

Happenings Around Our Woods

Muscadine picking, that was one of the things going on on Dewberry Lands yesterday.  These are going to be used in jelly and muscadine syrup. 

Lots of rain, that has been the weather the last several days.  Below are the results from all this rain. 

Eden with a giant puff ball.  She was impressed.

Hiking sticks for James and Selah.  They got out and found some cedar poles and made them hiking sticks with their own design. 

James is all about wolves and he encouraged Selah to have a woodpecker carved on hers. 

Our artist is at work with a wood burning tool decorating their sticks.

Other information added to awards.