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…
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…
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…
“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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The Driftless region is full of diversity: a diversity of people, jobs, and landscapes. Hill and dale, wet and dry, wooded and open — the…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
“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,…
Do you know the differences between the acorns of red and white oak? Red oak acorns have more of everything: more hairs on the shell;…
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,…
Each spring during mating season, male grouse claim their territory by “drumming” to attract females and fend off other males. Males will frequent the same…
Like a canary in the coal mine, grouse tell us something about the habitat. Miners knew, if the canary stayed alive, there was enough fresh,…
If you picked stream banks lined with grasses you’re right! Grasses provide superior bank stabilization. A single grass plant has hundreds of fine, fibrous roots,…