Coppicing of Oak and Walnut

The Northwest Illinois Forestry Association will tour Phillip Brown’s farm at 7011 East Bethel Road, Elizabeth, on Saturday, July 20th, from 9 am to noon.  Mr. Brown will explain the stewardship of the farm over the past 50 years in planting trees and other conservation activities and then lead a discussion of successes and failures and best forest management practices.  This tour is open to the public and there is no charge.

The land is enrolled in the USDA Conservation Reserve Program and the IDNR Conservation Stewardship Program.  Stewardship goals include establishing wildlife habitat, and long-term harvesting of timber.  

On the tour, one particular 20-year-old tree planting will be discussed regarding seedling mortality and the use of tree shelters.  Also, pruning, coppicing, and timber stand improvement will be covered.  Please bring your questions and opinions.

From Elizabeth, drive east on US 20 to Derinda Road and take an immediate left onto Bethel Road.  In six miles, the farm lane is on the right.  From the east, reach Bethel Road on Hwy 78 south seven miles from Stockton or Hwy 78 north 15 miles from Mount Carroll; take Bethel Road west 2.5 miles to the farm lane.