FAYETTE, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa State University Extension will be showcasing various forestry practices at Volga River State Recreation Area as part of a public field day on May 16.
Field day events include presentations on topics like forest bird habitat management, wildlife value of native trees and shrubs, a rare and endangered species update - bees and bats, diagnosing forest health issues and highlights of Volga River State Park.
“The field day has demonstration areas to highlight forest management practices, like timber harvest, tree planning and timber stand improvements,” said Jason Walker, district forester from the Iowa DNR’s office in Charles City. “It also has a variety of speakers on different topics for those with an interest in the outdoors.”
Walker said the Volga River forest stewardship plan has been in development for the past five years and the field day is an opportunity to see active forest management occurring in the timber.
“We want Volga to be a model of doing forest stewardship correctly,” Walker said. “We are following plan developed for this 4,000-acre timber and the field day setting is a good way to highlight different management practices and allows for a good discussion.”
Attendees should plan to either bring their own sack lunch or purchase a lunch for $15 by calling Fayette County Extension at 563-425-3331. There is no cost to attend unless purchasing the optional lunch. Must RSVP for the lunch by May 12.
Volga River Field Day Agenda
Meet at Volga Lake boat ramp parking lot, 18450 I Ave, Fayette
9:30 a.m., Registration
10 a.m., Concurrent Sessions (40 minutes each)
- Rare/Endangered Species Updates – Bats and Bees!
- Diagnosing Forest Health Issues – Forest Health Update
- Cost Share Program Updates/Options – Ask a Forester
Noon Lunch
1:15 p.m., Concurrent Sessions (40 minutes each)
- Forest Bird Habitat Management
- Beyond Oaks – Wildlife Value of Native Trees/Shrubs
- Volga State Park Highlights
3:15 p.m., Field Day wrap up and final thoughts