Rural Neighbors: Like Peanut Butter and Jelly
“Distance might separate rural neighbors, but relationships are still important.” –Jim Weber, rural woodland owner in Iowa County A simplistic look at rural landowners might…
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Erosion: How Much Is Too Much To Sustain Agriculture?
Tolerable soil loss is determined for each farm field depending on characteristics such as soil type and slope. What is the range of tolerable soil…
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,…
He Said, She Said…about the Oak in the Driftless Workshop
Last month, on a beautiful Saturday, nearly one-hundred landowners gathered for the Oak in the Driftless Workshop in Richland Center, WI. By every measure, the…
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…
Stump The Chump: Which Resprout Is Best?
Most people think of seeds when they think of tree regeneration. However, trees have other strategies, like stump sprouting. When the above ground portions of…
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…
Where is the Robin in Your Yard Headed on Migration?
In late August, some bird species will begin to migrate south including warblers, shorebirds, and nighthawks. The first of the American robins will leave too,…
When was the first Farm Bill?
Our country shapes food, farming, and natural resource policies through the Farm Bill. This comprehensive piece of legislation covers producer risk, rural development, research, specialty…
When Do Two Hours and 20 Million Dollars Come Together?
For two hours each year, Wisconsin landowners (including you) are invited to guide the spending of millions in federal Farm Bill funding for conservation practices…
Know how to figure the percent slope of your trails?
Percent slope is determined with just two numbers. It is calculated using the amount of vertical distance (rise) over a given horizontal distance (run). Often…
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…
Can You Successfully Key Out Dandelion?
Of course you can! We walk you through it! Start at IDnature guides. First, select Wildflowers. Second, select Wisconsin. Third, check off what you know…
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…
In the Driftless, Diversity Abounds
The Driftless region is full of diversity: a diversity of people, jobs, and landscapes. Hill and dale, wet and dry, wooded and open — the…
How Many Pounds Of Shiitakes Do You Get From One Log?
A typical shiitake log is 3- to 6-inches in diameter and 36- to 48-inches long. Each log reliably produces mushrooms 3 to 4 times a…
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…
Can Tom Turkeys Sire Young From Beyond the Grave?
Usually, the most dominant tom turkeys (one or two) breed with most of the hens in an area. But what if they are shot early during…
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…
Three Provisions to Include in Your Next Ag Lease for Healthy Land
“I don’t know about the guy renting my fields. That deep gully should be a grassy waterway. Look at the erosion into the woods. I…
Can I Trespass On My Own Land?
Here’s the scenario: You own 40 acres of land, 20 acres of which is leased to a local farmer, and 20 acres in woodland. You…
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…
Firewood: Wanted Dead or Alive?
Firewood does more for Doug and Laurie than heat their house all winter. “I’m not cutting firewood, just to cut firewood,” asserts Doug. “There is…
Quiz: Most Common Chainsaw Injury?
The chain on your saw moves at 70 mph! This speed makes the chainsaw one of the most efficient and effective hand tools that a landowner…
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…
The Nelsons’ Oak Savanna of Dreams
“If you build it, they will come,” said a voice in Ray’s head from the movie Field of Dreams. The voice led Ray to build…
Success Story: John and Kim Annear
Shortly after joining the Richland Center police force 30 years ago, John Annear and his wife Kim started looking for a place in the country…
Meet the Ottmann’s: “Doing the Math” of Ownership
“We wanted a piece of Wisconsin for our family to enjoy. We also intend to make it better.” Barry and Susan Ottmann live in McFarland,…