SWCD Forest Field Day July 29

On July 29, 2020, the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will be hosting a field day to explore how different forest management techniques can affect the health of your forest and how you can gauge your progress througah the years. Learn the types of plant communities found on a site and identify trees and plants that will thrive depending on the site conditions as they go through natural succession. The field day will be held at Isinours Forestry Management Unit, about four miles north of Preston, Minn. The event is being held in partnership with MN DNR, MN Tree Farm Association, and MN Forestry Association. The tour will begin at 5:30 p.m. with small groups to allow physical distancing. 

Those that would like to learn about the presented topics on their own can also do the field day as a “self-guided” experience by downloading the map (available at www.fillmoreswcd.org) to their smartphones and tablets and utilizing the Avenza Maps App to navigate while on site. Videos of the brief presentations will also be available after the field day. Those participating in the field day in all manners will benefit from the expert knowledge of foresters and fellow landowners.  Presenters include Jim Edgar and Alex Gehrig of the MN DNR.

This is a fun and informational opportunity for anyone interested in forestry, evaluating a sites suitability for particular tree and plant species, and prescribed burning information. It also offers the chance to enjoy the great outdoors and get to know more about local projects in our area. Anyone who wishes to enjoy a fun and educational walk with beautiful views is encouraged to come!

Note: Clothing and shoes (closed toe) appropriate for hiking through woodland terrain is encouraged.  The hike is approximately one mile long for each of the areas to observe (both Bluffland Prairie and Hardwood Forest). To engage in the entire field day, the hike is approximately two miles long to view all of the observation points.

Directions

From Preston: Go north four (4) miles on Co. Hwy. 17, turn left (west) on gravel road (dead end) between Watson Creek and bicycle trail. Parking lot at the end of the gravel road.

From Fountain: Go east four (4) miles on Co. Road 8, turn right (south) onto Co. Hwy. 17 for 1.5 miles. Turn right (west) on gravel road (dead end) between Watson Creek and the bicycle trail. Parking Lot at the end of the gravel road.

Contact the Fillmore SWCD for more information at (507) 765-3878, ext. 3, or go to www.fillmoreswcd.org.