Workday at Shimek 9-25-21

DNR and Friends of Shimek Workday a big success.

DNR Technician Patrick Thomas and Forester John Byrd were joined by nine Friends of Shimek volunteers for the annual DNR Volunteer Work Day in Shimek Forest's Lick Creek Unit on Saturday, 9/25/21..a lovely morning for working. John Byrd updated the volunteers on activities in the forest and Patrick assigned tasks including removal of downed trees in hard to access locations, picking up trash tossed by riders, cleaning firepits and staining table planks and other wooden surfaces as part of the

Paint Iowa Beautiful grant.

Bill and Linda Fiordeliese painted new planks to be used on picnic tables as part of the Paint Iowa Beautiful Grant from Diamond Vogel Paint Company. DNR Technician Patrick Thomas assisted by staining the wood on the mounting blocks as well as helping with the staining of the boards. Patrick setup the materials for the project as well.

Neal Hartman and Bob Bender on horseback and Debbie Miller on Ms. Kitty, with chain saws onboard, went out to trail areas not easily accessible by ATV to clear down trees. 

It was a beautiful fall day to be out riding and working.  It was an enjoyable day to say the least.

Fall colors are showing up.  I would encourage you to check out the multiple colors of foliage within the forest.

As always, be respectful of fellow riders, hikers, and now hunters along your trail.  Continue to be mindful to social distance, and use precautions as needed.

May the trails you ride be peaceful and filled with merriment!

Editor

Kathy

Photos by Jo Watson

2021 Shimek Forestry Field Day

 

Each year specialists come from across the state to teach Iowans in Southeast Iowa about current forestry issues. ISU Extension and Outreach of Lee County, Iowa DNR and the Iowa Woodland Owners Association will host the 43rd Anniversary of Forestry Field Day on October 5, 2021 from 8:30 am to 3:05 pm at White Oak Campground (Donnellson Unit) in Shimek State Forest.

Topics to be discussed this year will include timber market update, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) update, Iowa Woodland Owners Association and Tree Farm update, forest management for birds, insects and disease threats to Iowa forests, and exploring the forest understory.

According to Whitney Weisinger, ISU Extension and Outreach Program Coordinator, "The Shimek Forestry Field Day is a perfect example of how Iowa State University Extension & Outreach brings science-based research to real-world applications for landowners. Through programs such as this, the Lee County Extension and Outreach office has been improving the lives of area residents for over 100 years!"

To register for the event please contact Whitney, at the Lee County Extension Office, at 319-835-5116 or weisinge@iastate.edu by September 28, 2021. Registration cost is $15.00 per participant payable the day of the event.

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of an educational network supported by Iowa State University, local county governments, and the United States Department of Agriculture. ISU Extension and Outreach works to provide learning opportunities for citizens of Iowa by providing unbiased, research-based information that will improve quality of life.

JOHN BYRD • Area Forester Shimek State Forest Iowa Department of Natural Resources c 319-878-3811 33653 Rte J56, Farmington, Ia 52626

Annual Iowa Volunteer Day September 25, 2021

Shimek State Forest Work Day Event

9-25-21

If you would like to lend a helping hand, meet with DNR Patrick Thomas at 9 am.

As always, stay safe and utilize social distancing.

Enjoy your time in the forest!

Kathy

Editor