2011 Plantings

Spring of 2011 has not been short of challenges for reforestation efforts in southwest Iowa.  We’ve been fortunate to avoid the massive severe storms raking the southern United States, but high rivers and saturated soils make every rain event an unfortunate event.  Regardless of weather Hickory Ridge Forestry continues to reforest western counties of Iowa.

High quality hardwood plantings are the initial focus of the planting season.  Several different oak species along with black walnut are the highest proportion of hardwoods being planted.  A great mix of native Iowa shrubs along with a few other hardwoods and assorted conifers are helping to establish diverse woodlands along with wildlife habitat transition zones.

These initial plantings have taken things a step further with a high concentration of tree shelters installed to reduce the impact of mammal browse and ensure a much higher chance of success.  Nearly 30,000 blows with a 3 lb hand sledge secured the 1″ bamboo stakes to the shelters.

The final plantings deal primarily with the establishment of new shrub rows for the improvement of sensitive quail habitat.  These plantings coupled with newly established native grass and forbes acres hope to provide cover, food sources, and a more gradual transition to neighboring areas.  HRF is especially excited to lend a hand in this reconstruction to help as a future learning tool for habitat establishment and opportunities for the next generation of hunting conservationists.