Spring Tree Planting

Spring tree planting has drawn to a close and Hickory Ridge Forestry was successful in planting over 65,000 seedlings covering nearly 200 acres in western Iowa.

New wetlands now have thousands of shrubs and trees growing nearby to increase wildlife habitat and holding capacity.  New oak and walnut woods were planted to improve landowner’s properties.  Public hunting and recreation areas now have added potential to their future.  All of the planting projects have been outstanding and with the weather cooperating the seedlings have adequate moisture to get a jump start on the summer.

Nearly 50,000 trees were planted near Bartlett, IA on Army Corp of Engineer property managed by the Iowa DNR.  These lands are slowly being returned to a more suitable state and with luck on our side they will grow into fine forests.

One of the most rewarding projects has been the reforestation efforts at Preparation Canyon State Park north of Pisgah, IA.  This area was hard hit during the tornado of ’08 that also passed through the Little Sioux Scout Ranch.  HRF replanted most areas of the park that were devastated during the tornado.  This planting will serve as a jump start and stepping stone for the recovery and restoration of this great park.