Hickory Ridge Forestry

This summer allowed HRF the opportunity to complete projects using a mechanical grinding forestry machine.  The projects focused on reducing unwanted vegetation and allowing sunlight to reach the ground where it had been blocked for many years.  One project focused on woodland restoration in preparation for future re-planting.  A secondary project focused on restoration or […]

The quantity of plantings was not large in the spring of 2014, but HRF still planted nearly 50,000 trees over the course of 4 project areas.  Three private landowners improved their properties greatly with the addition of acres converted into future forests.  The Iowa DNR added 71 acres of new forestland with HRF planting in […]

HRF makes the trek back up to the Loess Hills State Forest once again and this time finds itself in the Little Sioux Unit. The hills and the time of year certainly don’t disappoint.  The terrain is steep, the temperatures are bitterly cold, and the wind has continued to blow measured by such words as […]

This project brought HRF back to an incredible property near Thurman.  Main goals of this phase of improvements were to reduce an undesirable low and mid-canopy layer of ironwood and the continuation of the battle against Honeysuckle. It was a beautiful time to work in these woods with the Autumnal colors bursting from every vantage. […]

HRF had the great opportunity to return to a property it had completed work on several years ago.  The previous project involved forest stand improvement (FSI).  This spring the project was geared toward the restoration of upland prairie within the southern Loess Hills. HRF worked on ground with difficult access points and steep terrain.  A […]

HRF planted nearly 35,000 trees this spring.  Most recently nearly 31,000 seedlings and 200 larger potted stock were planted for the Army Corps of Engineers and Iowa DNR over 40 acres near the Missouri River south of Bartlett.  All larger potted trees were planted using a rubber tracked compact track loader equipped with an 18″ […]

Hickory Ridge Forestry spent the majority of late fall in the southern Loess Hills near Thurman, IA. HRF helped to complete a forest restoration project revolving around the enhancement of a oak/hickory upland hardwood forest.  Before the thinning the amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor was minimal.  Light admittance was restricted by a heavy mid-canopy […]

Opportunity arose to create and dedicate a bench for the National 9/11 Memorial.  This bench is dedicated in honor of all first responders…by first responders.  Every person who lent a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, or offered a prayer of hope has a place on this bench. This bench symbolizes the strength and […]

Hickory Ridge Forestry completed nearly 90 acres of post harvest thinning at Stephens State Forest near Chariton, IA.  This area is now ready for wonderful regeneration of high quality hardwoods with nearly full sunlight reaching the forest floor. Certain complications arise with each project with this one no different than the rest.  Unfortunately the majority […]

This planting took place in Northern Monona county in some of the most prestigious areas of the Loess Hills a person could imagine.  Restoration in this area has been intensive and impressive on both the private and public fronts.  This particular property is no exception. HRF helped to plant nearly 3000 new seedlings in reclaimed […]