Jan 12, 2017

Timber Harvest Overview Part One Workshop

A carefully managed, sustainable timber harvest isn’t just about cutting down trees and cashing in on their commercial value. It’s about implementing a plan that encourages regeneration and the long-term well-being of the forest.  On Thursday, January 12, 2017, John Schwartzer, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry Service Forester, will speak on the steps private woodland owners should take in planning and implementing a successful timber harvest along with the pitfalls to avoid. The meeting will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Cumberland County Extension Office which is located at 310 Allen Road in Carlisle.  You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend.

Harvesting and selling timber is a critical decision in terms of its effect on the future management and profitability of the woodland, and therefore one that should be approached cautiously and objectively.  Years of growth are accumulated in a mature timber stand. The annual income from all those years is frequently marketed in a single transaction. Too much is at stake to sell timber without having accurate knowledge of products, volume, and value and without knowing how to establish the next crop for continued production.  Advice and assistance is available from a variety of sources, public and private, and should be used to maximum advantage. These and other issues surrounding a timber harvest will be presented at the meeting.

 The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association is an organization of forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania.  For more information about the meeting or the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association, contact Mike Waldron, at 717-677-7317 (email:  mdwald57@yahoo.com).

 

NOTE: The “Timber Harvest Overview Part Two Workshop” will be a tour on Saturday, May 13, 2017 starting at 9:30 a.m. of Fay Drawbaugh’s woodlands, 150 Church of God Rd., Newville, PA 17241, that will be lead by  John Schwartzer, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry Service Forester, to look at timber harvest and forest management practices.

Oct. 22 "Coached" Tree Identification Workshop and Picnic

"Coached" Tree Identification Workshop and Picnic

The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association (CWOA) is partnering with Penn State Mont Alto to present a tree identification workshop on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016.  Workshop participants will meet on the PSU Mont Alto campus at 9:30am at Weisling Hall.  Signs will be posted.  Participants will split up into small groups (3-5 people) with a 2nd year forestry student assigned to each group.  The students will take their groups through a 20 station walk and coach them on specific tree identification.  With the closer teaching and opportunity to interact, participants can learn some of the finer points of tree id such as the difference between a red oak and scarlet oak.  20 plus tree species will be covered.  The CWOA is an organization of forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania.

The tree identification workshop is open to the public.  You do not have to be a member of the CWOA to attend.  There is no cost to attend the workshop but pre-registration is required.   To register, text, call or email Mike Waldron at 717-677-7317(H), 717-698-8046(cell), mdwald57@yahoo.com (email) by October 14 (email preferred).

The Penn State Mont Alto campus is approx. 1 mile north of downtown Mont Alto along Rt. 233.  At the main campus entrance, turn left, go over the bridge and the main parking lot is on the right.  Look for CWOA signs. Penn State Mont Alto directions are available online at:  http://montalto.psu.edu/Information/directions.htm.

The workshop will take about 2 hours to complete and will be followed by a picnic lunch at the pavilion of Mont Alto State Park.  (right next door to the campus)   CWOA MEMBERS - bring a side dish to share as we will host the Mont Alto students & staff.  Burgers, hot dogs, dinnerware and drinks will be provided.  

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT !!   Text, call or email Mike Waldron at 717-677-7317(H), 717-698-8046,(cell), mdwald57@yahoo.com (email) by October 14 (email preferred).   There is no charge, but we will have a donation bucket for you to help defray the costs of the pavilion & lunch.

This event will be rain or shine.  IF the weather is very bad; we will make provisions to have a presentation inside with tree samples.  So, mark your calendar, make your reservation, bring note taking materials, dress for the weather and be ready to be sharpened in your tree id skills.  We may have to limit the group size, so register early.

Sept. 10 Bird Identification Meeting at Audubon’s Hawk Watch Lookout

Saturday, September 10, 10:00 A.M. CWOA Bird Identification Meeting at Audubon’s Hawk Watch Lookout at Waggoner’s Gap off PA Route 74, about 6 miles NW of Carlisle, Pa.  

Bird identification is the subject of the September 10, 10:00 A.M. meeting of the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association at Audubon’s Hawk Watch Lookout at Waggoner’s Gap off PA Route 74, about 6 miles NW of Carlisle, Pa.   A representative from the Audubon Society will speak on methods for bird identification in the field.  Bring binoculars, a cushion to sit on and warmer clothing than you think you might need.  There is very limited space for chairs of any sort and that space is claimed very early in the day.  We will meet at that location at 10:00 A.M. For more information about the meeting or the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association, contact Mike Waldron, 717-677-7317 (email:  mdwald57@yahoo.com).  Please be sure and park in the lot that is on the north (Perry County) side of the mountain.

Audubon Pennsylvania’s Hawk Watch Waggoner’s Gap Directions:  http://www.waggap.com/Directions.htm

The Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch can be reached by walking up a rock trail from the parking lot on the north side of the Kittatinny Ridge. The parking lot is off PA Route 74, about 6 miles NW of Carlisle, Pa. 

Directions to the parking lot

Amended directions to Hawk Watch Lookout - Wolf Bridge Rd is closed due to replacement

I have been informed by Chaz Smith that Wolf Bridge Rd is closed due to replacement of the bridge.  Chaz Smith’s recommends the following detour to take off of Rt.11S:  “The detour would take North Middlesex Rd, which is about halfway between the turnpike and 81. It is right across from the Petro truck stop, and there is an Arby's resturaunt on the corner. Go a couple hundred yards on North Middlesex Rd across the Conneduguinnett creek on the bridge, and then take the first left on Clemson Rd. This parallels the creek, and will T into Wolf Bridge Rd, where you would turn right, adn continue on with the other directions.”  At the stop sign at PA Rt.  34. Turn right and go .4 miles to a left turn on PA Rt.  944 W. Go 5 miles to a stop sign at the intersection with Pa Rt.  74. Turn right and go 2 miles up the mountain, being careful on the 90 degree turns. The parking lot is 200 yards beyond the crest on the right.

Here is a link to a map centered on that Arby's, it is easy to see the detour rout here.

https://www.bing.com/mapspreview?&ty=18&q=Arby%27s&ss=ypid.YN749x20690845&ppois=40.2337760925293_-77.1406326293945_Arby%27s_YN749x20690845~&cp=40.233776~-77.140633&v=2&sV=1

From the east: On I-81 S take the Middlesex exit (exit 52)  and turn right on Rt. 11S toward Carlisle. Go through the truckstops to the Carlisle turnpike exchange where we pick up all Pa Turnpike travelers. Continue south on Rt. 11 for 1.5 miles to a traffic light at Wolf Bridge Rd. Turn right. Follow Wolf Bridge Rd 2.5 miles to a stop sign at PA Rt.  34. Turn right and go .4 miles to a left turn on PA Rt.  944 W. Go 5 miles to a stop sign at the intersection with Pa Rt.  74. Turn right and go 2 miles up the mountain, being careful on the 90 degree turns. The parking lot is 200 yards beyond the crest on the right.

Trail to the lookouts

The trail leaves the oval parking lot at the right hand (uphill) side. After approx. 100 yards it splits, but both forks lead to the lookout. The right hand trail is less steep but longer. The lookout is an angled rock pile. Bring a cushion to sit on and warmer clothing than you think you might need. There is very limited space for chairs of any sort and that space is claimed very early in the day. There is a porta-potti in the parking lot. The parking lot is gated and unlocked by the counter for the day. The gate will remain locked over night and during inclement weather when no watch is being conducted.

Two Pennsylvania Nut Grower Events coming up

Two Pennsylvania Nut Grower Events coming up:

Grafting day at Don Jackson's Farm in Red Lion (York County)
9 AM Saturday July 9
No charge. All are welcome.

Nut Growers Picnic at Don Jackson's Farm in Red Lion (York County)
9 AM Saturday August 20
Please Bring a covered dish. (Perhaps a plant or tree of some interest for an impromptu auction)
RSVP to Don for the picnic

Both Events are being hosted by the Don Jackson Family at their farm at:
9006 Camp Road
Red Lion, PA
717-244-1834

WEDNESDAY, May 11 Cumberland Woodland Owners Assoc Meeting on Native Pollinators and Honey Bees

Native Pollinators and Honey Bees

Laurie Collins and Tim Weller will be the featured speakers at the Wednesday, May 11 meeting of the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association.  They will speak about the importance of “Native Pollinators and Honey Bees.”  The meeting will be at 7:00 PM, at the Franklin County Ag Heritage Building which is located at 185 Franklin Farm Lane in Chambersburg.  The meeting is open to the public.   You do not have to be a member of the association and there is no cost to attend.  The meeting is handicap accessible.  Directions are available at:  http://extension.psu.edu/franklin/directions.

In forested and other natural areas, pollinators assist in the production of fruits and seeds that are essential to the diets of wildlife such as small and large mammals, and especially migratory and game birds. It is those seeds and fruits, consumed and dispersed by wildlife, that maintain natural ecosystems and can help revegetate areas disturbed by natural events or commercial harvesting and development.  Pollinators need a diverse, abundant food source and a place to build their nests and rear their young.  As land managers, if woodland owners keep these two elements in mind they can encourage pollinator populations.

The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association is an organization of forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania.  For more information about the meeting or the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association, contact Fred Peabody at 717-776-3565 (email: fredp5@earthlink.net) or Mike Waldron, 717-677-7317 (email:  mdwald57@yahoo.com).

Forest Mushroom Cultivation Workshop

Forest Mushroom Cultivation Workshop

Have you ever wanted to grow mushrooms but thought that it seemed too complicated?  On April 14, 2016, John Schwartzer, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry Service Forester, will speak on forest mushroom cultivation.  His presentation will include growing shiitake and oyster mushrooms in your backyard or woodlot.  The meeting will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Cumberland County Extension Office which is located at 310 Allen Road in Carlisle.  You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend.

The proper tree species and techniques for cultivation will be discussed and inoculation techniques will be demonstrated during this presentation. The nutritional requirements and environmental conditions necessary for the production of a variety of different mushrooms will be covered.

Growing oyster mushrooms can be a simple and great addition to many gardens, yards, and woodlots.  Shiitake mushrooms can be grown indoors or outdoors on almost any deciduous wood that retains its bark for a number of years. When shiitake or oyster mushrooms are cultivated outdoors on logs in a managed shade environment, a forest farming practice is initiated. 

The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association is an organization of forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania.  For more information about the meeting or the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association, contact Fred Peabody at 717-776-3565 (email: fredp5@earthlink.net) or Mike Waldron, 717-677-7317 (email:  mdwald57@yahoo.com).

The History and Management of Pennsylvania Forests

 

TO:  Woodland Owners

SUBJECT:  March 17, 2016 Cumberland Woodland Owners Association, 7:00 P.M. at West Pennsboro Township Municipal Building located at 2150 Newville Road (Rt. 641), Carlisle, PA, 17015

THE FEATURED SPEAKER:  Dr. James Finley, Penn State Professor of Forest Resources. 

TOPIC:  The History and Management of Pennsylvania Forests:  How Pennsylvania’s forest resources were used in the past, how they are managed today and the management needed to ensure that we have healthy forest for the future are the topics.

LOCATION:  West Pennsboro Township Municipal Building located at 2150 Newville Road (Rt. 641), Carlisle, PA, 17015.  The meeting is open to the public.  You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend. 

DIRECTIONS:  Directions are available on-line at: http://www.westpennsborotwp.org/contact

The History and Management of Pennsylvania Forests

The forests in Pennsylvania provide a vast array of benefits including hardwood production, wildlife habitat, water protection and recreation.  About 60% (17 million acres) of Pennsylvania is forested. Individuals and families own about 75% of the forested land and provide 80% of Pennsylvania's timber products.  Pennsylvania also has one of the largest expanses of public forestland in the eastern United States.  How Pennsylvania’s forest resources were used in the past, how they are managed today and the management needed to ensure that we have healthy forests for the future are the topics for the March 17^th meeting of the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association.  The featured speaker will be Dr. James Finley, Penn State Professor of Forest Resources.  The Cumberland Woodland Owners’ Association and West Pennsboro Township are sponsoring the meeting which will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the West Pennsboro Township Municipal Building located at 2150 Newville Road (Rt. 641), Carlisle, PA, 17015.  You do not have to be a member to attend and there is no cost to attend.  Directions are available on-line at: http://www.westpennsborotwp.org/contact.

Our forests are not without problems. The lack of forest regeneration, particularly of some oak species, and a decrease in native biodiversity, caused in part by high populations of white-tailed deer, are significant concerns. The introduction of certain invasive plants threatens the existence of native plant species. Outbreaks of exotic pests such as the gypsy moth and a host of native defoliators continue to stress the forests.  Fragmentation of forestland is of concern.  The transition of ownership of forest land from one generation to the next can be a major issue for families.

To meet the ever-increasing demand on Pennsylvania’s forest resources, we must manage our forests differently than in the past to keep them healthy and productive for the long term—an idea known as forest sustainability.  Good forestry requires concern for and understanding of the effects of our decisions and actions on the well-being of the entire forest ecosystem. We can avoid serious degradation of the forest when knowledgeable landowners and natural resources professionals plan and work together. 

The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association is an organization of forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania.  For more information about the meeting or the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association, contact Fred Peabody at 717/776-3565 (email: fredp5@earthlink.net) or Mike Waldron, 717-677-7317 (email:  mdwald57@yahoo.com).

 “Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.”

Making Maple Syrup in Your Back Yard

Making Maple Syrup in Your Back Yard

Have you always wanted to make syrup from the maple trees on your property? Here's your chance to learn how. “Making Maple Syrup in Your Back Yard” is the topic of the Monday, February 8, 2016, meeting of the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association.  Wilbur and Peggy Wolf will speak about the basics of making maple syrup on a small scale in your own backyard.  Information will include selection of trees, tapping, sap collection, equipment overview, and boiling as well as finishing and storing syrup.  The meeting will be at 7:00 PM, at the Franklin County Ag Heritage Building which is located at 185 Franklin Farm Lane in Chambersburg.  The meeting is open to the public.   You do not have to be a member of the association and there is no cost to attend.  The meeting is handicap accessible.  Directions are available at:  http://extension.psu.edu/franklin/directions.

The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association is an organization of forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania.  For more information about the meeting or the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association, contact Fred Peabody at 717-776-3565 (email: fredp5@earthlink.net) or Mike Waldron, 717-677-7317 (email:  mdwald57@yahoo.com).