The Northwest Illinois Forestry Association (NIFA) will host a tour of natural forest regeneration on former timber harvest sites at the Tom and Jessica Arnold Tree Farm northeast of Elizabeth on Saturday, March 25th at 1:00 pm. A 15 acre hardwood clear cut in winter 2011/2012, a selective walnut harvest in 2010 and 2008, and a 4 acre hardwood clear cut in 1995 will be viewed with timber management goals and regeneration progress discussed. Two neighboring properties and their regeneration will also be viewed: an 80 acre hardwood timber clear cut done in 2010 and a direct hardwood seeding in a former crop field done in 2000. Anyone interested in how a woodland recovers after timber harvest should attend this event.
Directions:
The Arnold Farm is located at 997 N. Salem Road, Elizabeth, IL. From Highway U.S. 20 in Woodbine, turn north on any street and make an immediate left, heading west on Woodbine Road. Go approx. 2 miles to the intersection with Apple River Road and turn right. Go approx. 1 mile. Take the first left onto Fairview Rd. and take that to the top of the hill. Turn right onto Salem Rd. Arnolds Farm is the first set of farm buildings on the right hand side approx. 2 miles down Salem. Look for the evergreen windbreak bordering the buildings.
NIFA is a non-profit organization of woodland owners and the public is welcome at its events. This event is free of charge.
