Hitchcock Nature Center

HRF is spending time at the Hitchcock Nature Center near Honey Creek.  The first portion of this fall’s project began with the heavy thinning of future savanna acres in the park.  The slopes have some majestic bur oaks dotting the hillside.  Unfortunately understory growth is filling in with undesirable woody species.  Hickory Ridge Forestry has undertaken the task of eliminating the understory and main mid-canopy layer in this small tract.  Larger diameter trees have been left as temporary wind buffers for the mature dominant bur oak trees.

Inclusion of prescribed fire will be the main management tool for the savanna acres in future years to knock back the new growth from brush and unwanted vegetation.  Fire will also serve as the main stimulant for the hopeful return of native Iowa prairie species of grasses, forbes, and flowers.

The next task is a tract of property near the main lodge receiving the timber stand improvement (TSI) prescription of a crop tree release.  The goal is to help stimulate the growth of the highest quality hardwoods including black walnut, various oaks, Kentucky coffeetree, and a small handful of less important hardwoods.  HRF is excited and honored to be a part of the wonderful conservation efforts taking place at Hitchcock.  As the transformation of the park continues, Hitchcock continues to evolve into one of the highest quality examples of intensive management and reclamation in the loess hills landscape.