Interested in Improving Deer Habitat on Your Land?
This workshop has been cancelled until further notice. We are asking landowners interested in attending to let us know if they would prefer a fall…
Category Ask the Expert
Read MoreInterested in Improving Deer Habitat on Your Land?
Your Top Three Questions Answered!
We asked our Facebook followers, “If they could get one question, and only one question, about your land, answered by an expert, what would it…
Is Winter Bird Feeding Good for Birds?
Many people feed birds during winter, believing they’re engaging in an activity that is good for them as well as for the birds. Yet, while…
The Ecology of Phenology
The 2019 Wildlife Phenology CalendarThe Aldo Leopold Foundation is pleased to share the Leopold family’s legacy of keeping phenology records through the publication of the…
Oak in the Driftless Workshop Presentations
Nearly 200 landowners and professionals gathered on September 29th, 2018 at the Oak in the Driftless workshop in Baraboo to discuss many topics around woodland…
Keeping Track: Frequently Asked Questions About Phenology
By Dr. Stanley Temple, Beers-Bascom Professor Emeritus in Conservation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Senior Fellow, Aldo Leopold Foundation “Keeping records enhances the pleasure of the…
It Takes a Village to Care for Land
“This is a family recreational property, but it is highly degraded. It’s for the benefit of wildlife and we want to witness it, but before…
Ask the Expert: Should I Seek Forest Certification?
Nearly everyone and everything – from tax accountants to organic produce – can be certified, and the same is true of family forest owners. Certification…
Three Friends You Must Have
“It’s not what you know that counts, but who you know.” – Author unknown Imagine a race to solve an everyday rural problem, in which…
Three Reasons to Take Another Look at The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
CRP rental rates per acre have increased CRP rental rates have been adjusted to be more competitive with cash rental rates. For 2016, CRP rental…
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Gets a Makeover
”CRP is new and improved. We have more reasons than ever for landowners to consider this great conservation program.” Brandon Soldner, Statewide CRP Program Specialist,…
The “Love Oak” Paradox
Interest in the Oak Workshop last month in Richland Center validated a long-held belief – landowners love their oaks. And for good reason: oaks are…
Bold Moves, Oak, and Deer – Nice Deer
“I can’t believe you destroyed your woods.” Rick’s neighbor just couldn’t contain his opinion. Recalling the exchange about the harvest, Rick’s shallow smile belied the…
Understand Trail Slope: Don’t Be A Water Quality Dope
It’s raining marbles! Well, not exactly, but the image will help you appreciate proper trail slopes. Yes, slopes, plural. Every trail on your property has…
Three Critical Traits of Trails
Get started with trail planning by thinking about these 3 things first! Purpose: How will the trail be used? Who will be using it? Is…
Plant ID Just Got Easier
By Steve Swenson, Ecologist, Aldo Leopold Foundation I’ll be the first to admit, using plant ID keys isn’t what I do for fun. It’s like…
Food Is On The Table – That You Grew On A Log!
By Roger Krause, Shiitake Mushroom Enthusiast There are three options if you want a mushroom: drive to the grocery store, search the woods, or stroll to…
Burning Habitat: Profound Truth From A Real Fire Bird
The Phoenix, a bird of Greek mythology, was destroyed and reborn in fire: a symbol of rejuvenation and long life. It’s a tale for sure,…
Prescribed Burning Requires the 1-2-3s
Before you burn your property, make sure to follow the 1-2-3s. 1) Obtain a burn permit In Southwest Wisconsin, if a burn unit is inside…
Agricultural Leases: Handshake Agreement or Written Contract?
By Laura Paine, Grazing Broker, Southwest Badger Resource Conservation and Development “Experience teaches you that the man who looks you straight in the eye, particularly…
Felling Dead Trees: Listen and Watch Out
By Nathan Stanford, Forest Safety Instruction, Wisconsin Dells, WI Standing dead trees are coveted by landowners for firewood. But they are also one of the…
Red-headed Woodpeckers Are Hoping They “Hit A Snag”
By Yoyi Steele, Former Important Bird Area WI Program Coordinator Red-headed woodpeckers are unmistakable with their deep red heads, black backs, and white wings. Alexander…
Command the Sun to Promote Young Forest
By Bill Kiser, Wildlife Biologist, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program For plants, it’s all about sunlight: Where sunlight hits,…
Calculating Rate of Return on Timber Stand Improvement
By Paul Dietmann, Market Specialist, Badgerland Financial Investments deliver annual rates of return; trees do the same. Here’s an example: An S&P investment over the…
The Keys to Garlic Mustard Control
By Steve Swenson, Ecologist, Aldo Leopold Foundation A successful garlic mustard control program is both preventative (i.e., identifies new populations) and curative (i.e., controls known…
Burn Permits Free, Focus on Safety and Communication
By Ralph Sheffer, Fire Operations Specialist, WI DNR Conducting a prescribed fire requires training and experience. Private contractors are available to conduct a burn on your…
Need for Seed
By Mike Finlay, Richland County Forester There are two important considerations when seeding temporary roads. 1). Know approximately how much area you will seed, in acres. For…
Plan, Prepare, Plant and Protect: Four P’s of Successful Tree Planting
Written by Pat Murphy, Former Tree Nursery Team Leader, WI-DNR Planting trees is a lot like gardening. Follow the “Four P’s” to reap the rewards of beauty,…
Seeing the Forest For the Trees: Value of Knowing Your Winter Woods
The famous saying, ‘Not seeing the forest for the trees’ reminds us we lose the big picture (forest) because of the details (trees). This figure…
Agroforestry: easy as 1, 2, 3
Don’t be intimidated by a complicated name! Agroforestry is easier than you might think. Mike Breckel, a Vernon County landowner, has implemented it on his…