The Wexford Conservation District’s Forestry Assistance Program will again be hosting several forestry workshops during 2019. Please join us!
Abandoned Christmas Tree Farm Conversion
May 4, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Location TBD, Wexford Co. Michigan
Are you the owner of an abandoned Christmas tree farm and want to convert it to a more natural and manageable forest, but are frustrated with how to get it done. You are not alone. This workshop will discuss challenges and opportunities of Christmas tree farm conversion. Giving you a practical plan to making your conversion happen. Fee is $15. Register by April 26.
May 4, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Location TBD, Wexford Co. Michigan
Are you the owner of an abandoned Christmas tree farm and want to convert it to a more natural and manageable forest, but are frustrated with how to get it done. You are not alone. This workshop will discuss challenges and opportunities of Christmas tree farm conversion. Giving you a practical plan to making your conversion happen. Fee is $15. Register by April 26.
Preparing Your Forestland Property for the Next Generation
June 8, 2019 9am-2pm Wexford Conservation District, USDA Service Center, Cadillac, MI
This workshop will be a great starting point for any family wanting to learn how to “hand down” their forest land to the next generation. This workshop will help you in practical ways to facilitate family succession as well as estate planning. Attorney Nathan Piwowarski of Cadillac will present the legal aspects of forestland estate planning. Families are encouraged to participate together if possible. Fee for this workshop is $30 for the first family member and $20 for additional members. Registration covers handouts, snacks, and lunch. Register by May 31.
Controlling Autumn Olive Workshop and Demonstration
June 22, 2019 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Liberty Town Hall, 10510 M-55, Manton, MI
Autumn olive is an invasive species that out-competes and displaces native plants. It can produce up to 200,000 seeds each year and can spread over a variety of habitats. Growing in even the most unfavorable soils. It reproduces quickly and with little effort at all. Bird are quite attracted to the seeds, and will scatter them throughout pastures, along roadsides and near fences. Even attempting to remove autumn olive by cutting or burning from your property can cause unwanted spreading as the shrub germinates easily. Autumn olive is one of the most troublesome shrubs in Michigan. In this workshop you will learn to identify and control autumn olive using chemical and non-chemical methods. This workshop will be led by Vicki Sawicki, Invasive Species Specialist with North Country CISMA. Fee for this workshop is $15. Register by June 14.
June 22, 2019 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Liberty Town Hall, 10510 M-55, Manton, MI
Autumn olive is an invasive species that out-competes and displaces native plants. It can produce up to 200,000 seeds each year and can spread over a variety of habitats. Growing in even the most unfavorable soils. It reproduces quickly and with little effort at all. Bird are quite attracted to the seeds, and will scatter them throughout pastures, along roadsides and near fences. Even attempting to remove autumn olive by cutting or burning from your property can cause unwanted spreading as the shrub germinates easily. Autumn olive is one of the most troublesome shrubs in Michigan. In this workshop you will learn to identify and control autumn olive using chemical and non-chemical methods. This workshop will be led by Vicki Sawicki, Invasive Species Specialist with North Country CISMA. Fee for this workshop is $15. Register by June 14.
Post-Harvest Field Tour
July 20, 2019 9 am-2 pm, Manton area.
Thinking of having your forestland harvested but nervous about what it will look like after logging? This field tour will visit harvested areas that are immediately following, one year after and five years after logging. We will look at good logging and bad logging and discuss how to get the best outcome. Transportation is not provided. Will require some driving in own vehicle. Workshop cost is $15. Register by July 12.
July 20, 2019 9 am-2 pm, Manton area.
Thinking of having your forestland harvested but nervous about what it will look like after logging? This field tour will visit harvested areas that are immediately following, one year after and five years after logging. We will look at good logging and bad logging and discuss how to get the best outcome. Transportation is not provided. Will require some driving in own vehicle. Workshop cost is $15. Register by July 12.
The Michigan Forestry Assistance Program is constantly adding new events to the State calendar, and many events are located in nearby counties. Check the State’s FAP web page and scroll down and click on “FAP Calendar of Events” to see the most up-to-date listing of FAP events that are being sponsored locally.