JoDaviess County: Aerial Spraying of Honeysuckle

NIFA will tour Brad Petersburg's woodland on Saturday, June 22nd at 10 am.  Brad will give a perspective on the conditions for aerial application of glycophosphate both in the fall of 2017 and 2018.  Consulting forester Kevin Oetken will be present to discuss effects of the spraying and his experience with other spraying projects.  Steve Barg and Daryl Watson will discuss the history and geology and archaeology of the land.  In addition, Brad has reached out to the IDNR to assess the impact of spraying on non-target native species.  This is a repeat of NIFA's 2018 tour since last fall's application saw much greater success than the previous year.

Brad named his 100-acre farm "Spirit Rock" at purchase ten years ago.  At equal parts cropland and woodland and pasture, the farm's woodland runs along a ridgetop west of South Rodden Road in Jo Daviess County.  Bush honeysuckle has invaded and after attempts at mechanical eradication had failed, last fall Brad tried aerial spraying of the herbicide glyphosate following consultation with IDNR and professional forester.  Timing was tricky to wait for oak dormancy yet strike honeysuckle while its leaves were still green.

Brad describes the woodland: "The woodland is mixed aged with a mixture of hardwoods and less desirable trees.  I have performed some crop tree release on the property but would not describe it as well-managed from a woodland perspective.  I have tried planting some small oak seedlings but the deer have essentially eaten all of them.  I have tried other methods of controlling honeysuckle (i.e., pulling out by the root and cut-stump treatment) but the honeysuckle has grown back worse than ever."

Directions: From Elizabeth, drive 5 miles west on US 20, then turn south on South Rodden Road.  About 1.5 miles south, the woodland occupies 1/3 of a 100-acre farm on the west side of the road; look for a sign.  Park on the west side of the road or in the grassy area adjacent.  There will be a good 1/4 mile hike to the woodland.  Wear boots and bring bug spray.

This tour is open to the public; all are welcome.