Saturday, May 13 - Timber Harvest Overview Part Two Woodlot Tour in State Forest Land near Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Saturday, May 13 - Timber Harvest Overview Part Two Woodlot Tour in State Forest Land near Pine Grove Furnace State Park

On Saturday, May 13, John Schwartzer, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry Service Forester, will lead a tour to look at timber harvest and forest management practices in State Forest land near Pine Grove Furnace State Park.   This workshop/tour will encompass “before the sale, during the sale, and after the sale” aspects of sustainable forest management.  Those participating will meet at 12:30 pm at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Fuller Lake “day use” parking lot.  This is the big lot on the little lane just off Pine Grove Road used to access the day use/swimming area on Fuller Lake. 

The group will then carpool to 4 stops within a 12 mile loop then return to the parking area at 3:30 pm.  Driving will all be primarily on unpaved State Forest Roads open to the public. Turning around may be required in a grassy retired log landing.  Those driving low profile cars or cars with low profile “street” tires may want to consider carpooling into larger/higher vehicles.  There will be minimal walking at each stop with approximately 300 feet at the farthest. This walking will be over possibly rough forest haul roads/trails with very little through the woods.  Hiking boots and long pants are always advised.  Workshop is "rain or shine" unless dangerous weather conditions or heavy rain is forecast.  If the weather is questionable, contact Mike Waldron 698-8046 (cell) 677-7317 (home) for updates.  You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend. 

Pine Grove Furnace State Park is at 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324. Directions to Pine Grove Furnace State Park:  From I-81, take Exit 37 to PA 233 south then travel for eight miles.  -OR- From Rt. 30, turn onto Pine Grove Rd/PA-233 N for 13.5 miles.  A map of the park is available at: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/pinegrovefurnace/.

The tour will show the steps of a sustainable timber harvest and what a harvest based on regeneration following a silvicultural prescription (vs. high grading) can do for a timber sale’s success rate.  The first stop will be a marked and sold yet unharvested section of a sale. We will look at the regeneration data and look at the marking guidelines and how the stand is marked for harvest.   The second stop will be a recently or currently being harvested sale block and maybe the log landing of a sale to see the harvesting in action. The logger may even be on site when we are there.  Third stop will be a sale a few years post-harvest. We will talk about planting, fencing, herbicide/invasives, prescribed burning.  Fourth stop will be a sale 5-15 years after harvesting to see what the regeneration of a prescription based sale turns into with a little time. We will talk about the new forest’s tending steps to continue it to conditions similar to stop #1. 

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).

2017 Cumberland Woodland Owners Association April thru Oct. Meetings

2017 Cumberland Woodland Owners Association April thru Oct. Meetings

(NOTE:  The Location for the Saturday, May 13 Timber Harvest Overview Part Two Woodlot Tour has been changed to State Forest Land near Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The Location for the Saturday, Sept. 16 Alaskan Sawmill Demo and Solar Dry Kiln Demonstration has been changed to Tony Montoy's property, 10189 Mentzer Gap Road, Waynesboro PA)

 

Thursday, April 13 - Woods in Your Backyard Meeting

On Thursday, April 13, Dr. James Finley, Penn State Professor of Forest Resources, will speak on how owners of even just a few acres can make a positive difference in their environment through planning and implementing simple “Woods in Your Backyard” stewardship practices.  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 vast majority of Pennsylvania’s landowners have less than 10 acres. This land has many important resources such as soil, water, trees, wildlife and plants.   Many benefits can be gained from any one of these resources.   Adding new trees and shrubs, managing insects and diseases, harvesting products and controlling invasive species can help create and preserve a beneficial natural area.  Creating and caring for your backyard woodlot may not take as much time or money as one might expect.  Owners of even the smallest landscapes can make a positive difference in their environment through planning and implementing simple stewardship practices. 

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).

 

Saturday, May 13 - Timber Harvest Overview Part Two Woodlot Tour in State Forest Land near Pine Grove Furnace State Park -

*****NOTE:  CHANGE IN LOCATION TO PINE GROVE FURNACE STATE PARK*****

On Saturday, May 13, John Schwartzer, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry Service Forester, will lead a tour to look at timber harvest and forest management practices in State Forest land near Pine Grove Furnace State Park.   This workshop/tour will encompass “before the sale, during the sale, and after the sale” aspects of sustainable forest management.  Those participating will meet at 12:30 pm at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Fuller Lake “day use” parking lot.  This is the big lot on the little lane just off Pine Grove Road used to access the day use/swimming area on Fuller Lake. 

The group will then carpool to 4 stops within a 12 mile loop then return to the parking area at 3:30 pm.  Driving will all be primarily on unpaved State Forest Roads open to the public. Turning around may be required in a grassy retired log landing.  Those driving low profile cars or cars with low profile “street” tires may want to consider carpooling into larger/higher vehicles.  There will be minimal walking at each stop with approximately 300 feet at the farthest. This walking will be over possibly rough forest haul roads/trails with very little through the woods.  Hiking boots and long pants are always advised.  Workshop is "rain or shine" unless dangerous weather conditions or heavy rain is forecast.  If the weather is questionable, contact Mike Waldron 698-8046 (cell) 677-7317 (home) for updates.  You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend. 

Pine Grove Furnace State Park is at 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324. Directions to Pine Grove Furnace State Park:  From I-81, take Exit 37 to PA 233 south then travel for eight miles.  -OR- From Rt. 30, turn onto Pine Grove Rd/PA-233 N for 13.5 miles.  A map of the park is available at: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/pinegrovefurnace/.

The tour will show the steps of a sustainable timber harvest and what a harvest based on regeneration following a silvicultural prescription (vs. high grading) can do for a timber sale’s success rate.  The first stop will be a marked and sold yet unharvested section of a sale. We will look at the regeneration data and look at the marking guidelines and how the stand is marked for harvest.   The second stop will be a recently or currently being harvested sale block and maybe the log landing of a sale to see the harvesting in action. The logger may even be on site when we are there.  Third stop will be a sale a few years post-harvest. We will talk about planting, fencing, herbicide/invasives, prescribed burning.  Fourth stop will be a sale 5-15 years after harvesting to see what the regeneration of a prescription based sale turns into with a little time. We will talk about the new forest’s tending steps to continue it to conditions similar to stop #1. 

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).

 

Saturday, September 16 - 9:00 to 11:30 A.M.:  Alaskan Sawmill Demo and Solar Dry Kiln Demonstration at Tony Montoy's property, 10189 Mentzer Gap Road, Waynesboro PA, 17268.  ***NOTE:  CHANGE IN START TIME AND LOCATION***

Dave Myers will demo his large Alaskan sawmill.  He will demonstrate an inexpensive way to turn a chainsaw into a lumber making machine that is used by one or two operators to mill logs into lumber for use in furniture, construction and other uses.  John Schwartzer, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry Service Forester, and Scott Weikert,  Penn State Extension Forest Resources Educator, will present dry kilns. John may also mill a small log with his small Alaskan mill.   The workshop will not be rescheduled if the weather is very bad.  Planning on "rain or shine" - at the discretion of the presenters.

Directions :  Mentzer Gap Road starts in Quincy - off Rt. 997 ( north of Waynesboro) and runs east - ending on Rt. 16, (east of Waynesboro)  From Quincy to Tony's place is 3.4 miles and from the Route 16 end it is 3.6 miles.  NOTE:  While Tony's property fronts on Mentzer Gap Rd., his access lane is off Tomara Drive.  Turn into Tomara Drive and go 80 yards - first lane on the left.  You can see Tony's workshop & log piles from Mentzer Gap Rd.  We will have a "CWOA" sign out along the road.  For questions - Mike Waldron at (717) 677-7317 home # (717) 698-8046 cell # or email - mdwald57@yahoo.com.

 

Saturday, October 14 - 9:30 A.M. to Noon:  Penn State Mont Alto Woodsman Team Demonstration and Campus Tour.  The PSU-MAC Timbersports team will demonstrate some of the events they do in competition and relate them to the “real world” use in forestry – now and in the past.  Followed by a tour of the campus.   LOCATION:  Penn State Mont Alto, 1 Campus Drive Mont Alto, PA 17237.  Directions:  http://montalto.psu.edu/information/directions.

Grasslands & Your Woods Meeting Feb. 9, 2017

Grasslands & Your Woods

“Grasslands & Your Woods” is the topic of the Thursday, February 9, 2017, meeting of the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association.  Stefan Karkuff, Farm Bill Biologist at Pheasants Forever, will speak on methods for designing, developing, and funding wildlife habitat improvements on private lands.  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.

Most Pennsylvania woodlands and surrounding openings can be excellent wildlife habitat areas for a variety of birds and animals if there is a diversity of mixtures of overstory tree species and under-story vegetation. Whether or not you actively manage, the vegetative structure of your woodland will change over time. As this structure changes, your woodland will become more or less diverse and some species of birds and animals will benefit more than others.  If you want to optimize habitat development for the widest range of bird and animal species, you need to concentrate on maintaining as much vegetative diversity in your woodland as possible. If you want to maximize certain habitat improvement benefits for individual bird and animal species, you will need to target specific woodland management activities in specific areas to meet the special needs of those species.

There are many things you can do to attract wildlife to your woodlands.  Often, the management practices associated with wildlife habitat improvement provide other conservation benefits such as reduced soil erosion and better water quality.  How much time and effort you want to spend is entirely up to you. Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologists possess the knowledge of federal, state, and local programs to assist landowners in finding the right program to meet your personal habitat and land use goals. 

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).

 

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).

Maintaining Dirt and Gravel Roads in Your Woodlands

Maintaining Dirt and Gravel Roads in Your Woodlands

Mike Klimkos, former Dirt and Gravel Road Program Coordinator with the State Conservation Commission will be the featured speaker at the Thursday, January 14 meeting of the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association.  He will be speaking about the importance of proper design and maintenance of roads for private forest landowners.  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.

Runoff from dirt roads is a major source of sediment in streams. It contributes to flooding, increases streambank erosion and decreases water quality. There are practices for new or existing roads that private forest landowners can use to minimize erosion potential.  The benefits of road stabilization include less road maintenance, less wear and tear on vehicles, better access, improved water quality and reduced flood damage.  To learn more about the resources available to assist landowners with designing an maintaining forests roads, plan to attend this 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 Fred Peabody at 717/776-3565 (email: fredp5@earthlink.net) or Mike Waldron, 717-677-7317 (email:  mdwald57@yahoo.com).

2016 MEETING SCHEDULE FOR CUMBERLAND WOODLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

2016 MEETING SCHEDULE FOR CUMBERLAND WOODLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

JANUARY 14th – (Thursday) Dirt and Gravel roads in your woodlands. Mike Klimkos will talk to us about this subject at the Cumberland County Extension Office at 7:00 P.M. Penn State Extension, Cumberland County, 310 Allen Road, Suite 601, Carlisle, PA 17013. Directions: http://extension.psu.edu/cumberland/directions.

FEBRUARY 8th – (Monday) Mr. & Mrs Wilbur Wolf will speak to us about Maple Syrup and how to go about collecting and rendering Maple Syrup. The meeting will be held at the Franklin County Extension Office at 7:00 P.M. Penn State Extension, Franklin County, 181 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Directions: http://extension.psu.edu/franklin/directions.

MARCH 17th- (Thursday) Dr. James Finley from Penn State will speak to us. The subject to be determined at a later date. The meeting will be held at the West Pennsboro Township Building at 7:00 P.M. 2150 Newville Road, Carlisle, Pa.

APRIL 14th-(Thursday) John Schwartzer from DCNR will speak to us about mushroom cultivation at the Cumberland County Extension Office at 7:00 P.M. Penn State Extension, Cumberland County, 310 Allen Road, Suite 601, Carlisle, PA 17013. Directions: http://extension.psu.edu/cumberland/directions.

May 11th-(Wednesday) Laurie Collins and Tim Weller will speak to us about Native Pollinators and Honey Bees at the Franklin County Extension Office at 7:00 P.M. Penn State Extension, Franklin County, 181 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Directions: http://extension.psu.edu/franklin/directions.

June 9th- (Thursday) The subject will be Pond and Waterway Improvements. Penn State Extension Educators, Amy Galford and George Hurd along with Vince McCollum from the Cumberland Co. Conservation District will speak to us at the Cumberland County Extension Office at 7:00 P.M. Penn State Extension, Cumberland County, 310 Allen Rd, Suite 601, Carlisle, PA 17013. Directions: http://extension.psu.edu/cumberland/directions.

September 10th(Saturday) Bird identification at the Hawk watch area on the North Mountain off Rt. 74 near Carlisle, Pa. A person from the Audubon Society will speak to us. We will meet at that location at 10:00 A.M.

October 22nd(Saturday) Tree identification will be the subject. Dr. Beth Brantly will have speakers for this subject. The meeting will be held at Penn State Mt. Alto at 9:00 A.M.


All of the above dates are subject to change. As always the people from the Dauphin County WOA are welcomed to come to any or all our meetings

Due to inclement weather we may have to cancel our meeting, you may call the following persons to get information. Mike Waldron, 717-677-7317, Dave Cornman, 717-423-6652, Fred Peabody, 717-776-3565

Saturday, September 12, Cumberland Woodland Owners Association Meeting at Penn State Mont Alto, 9:00 am to noon.

Saturday, September 12, Cumberland Woodland Owners Association Meeting at Penn State Mont Alto, 9:00 am to noon.

 

Beth Brantley, Craig Houghton, and Peter Linehan, forestry faculty at Penn State Mont Alto, will host the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association meeting on Saturday, September 12^th at Penn State Mont Alto from 9:00 am to noon.  They have put together a very interesting and educational schedule for the day, so please plan to attend.  The day will include visiting the deer exclosure at the site of the historic Cold Spring Hotel, the American chestnut plantation, the Crop tree management silviculture treatments, and the new LT-70 Wood-Mizer saw mill at Penn State Mont Alto. A bus will be available for travel to the sites and some walking may be involved.  See the full agenda and additional information below.

 

On Saturday, September 12 plan to meet at 9:00AM in the Heritage room at the Mill Café on campus.  There will be some parking at Conklin Hall in the visitor spots and or you can park in the commuter lot as you enter campus.  The commuter parking lot is the first driveway on the right after crossing the bridge onto campus Directions to campus are available at: http://www.ma.psu.edu/Information/directions.htm.  A Campus map is available at: http://www.ma.psu.edu/Information/map.htm (Conklin Hall is #13, The Mill Cafe is #9, and the commuter parking lot is the first driveway on the right after crossing the bridge onto campus.  Virtual  tour of Penn State Mont Alto: http://www.ma.psu.edu/.

Saturday, September 12 Agenda:  Beth Brantley, Craig Houghton, and Peter Linehan, forestry faculty at Penn State Mont Alto, will host the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association meeting.

 

9:00AM - gather at the Mill Café on the Penn State Mont Alto campus for coffee,  juice, and pastries followed by a brief presentation on the Forest Technology associate degree program.

 

9:45AM - load Penn State Mont Alto 21-passenger bus (Some may need to car-pool if there are more than 18 members attending) and travel to the Waynesboro Watershed in Hamiltonban Township, Adams County, PA (approximately 8 miles east of Mont Alto) to view the following. NOTE:  There will be some walking involved but we will drive the bus as close to the sites as possible. Those who don’t care to walk can see most of the sites from the bus. We will bring drinking water too. Hardhats are not required.

•             Deer exclosure at the site of the historic Cold Spring Hotel

•             American chestnut plantation and if we have time,

•             Crop tree management silviculture treatments

 

11:00AM – travel back to campus to view the new LT-70 Wood-Mizer saw mill

 

Managing Invasive Plants in Your Woodlot

Managing Invasive Plants in Your Woodlot

At the Thursday, June 11th Cumberland Woodland Owners Association Meeting, PA DCNR specialists, Kelly Sitch, Bureau of Forestry Botanist, and John Schwartzer, Bureau of Forestry Service Forester will speak about the impact of invasive plants and control methods.  Invasive plants are impacting the regeneration and management of private and public forests. They are slowly changing the character of our natural ecosystems by displacing native plants, impacting native wildlife habitat, increasing soil erosion, and limiting forestry management options. Private landowners need more information about how to identify invasive plant species problems and how to apply effective management practices.  The meeting will be at 7:00 PM, 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.

Invasive insects, plants, and microbes have had and continue to have a significant harmful impact on U.S. forests.  Invasive plants easily colonize the disturbed areas and enter adjacent woodlands.  Invasive plants also can interfere with the growth of new trees.  Competition from invasive plants reduces native plant diversity, and can harm animals that depend on native plants for food and shelter.  Invasive plants threaten the habitat of two-thirds of all threatened and endangered wildlife species.  It is estimated by the U.S. Forest Service that economic damages caused by nonindigenous species and costs for control and management of these species exceed $137 billion per year.  One of the best ways to control these plants is for woodland owners to familiarize themselves with the plants and work with local officials and agencies to start eradication programs.

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).

Tree Identification Workshop for Woodland Owners

Tree Identification Workshop for Woodland Owners

The first step in being able to effectively manage your forestland is to know what you have.  To do that, you need to be able to identify the tree species on your property.  If this is the kind of challenge that interests you, then plan to attend the Cumberland Woodland Owners’ Association meeting on Thursday, May 14, 2015.  That evening, Annette MaCoy, Penn State Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator, will conduct a “Tree Identification Workshop for Woodland Owners.”  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.

There are many reasons people need to identify trees.  Knowing which trees are growing on a site can provide information about the soil, climate and other environmental conditions there. Certain trees make good lumber, paper, medicines, food or other products that people need.  Some animals depend on particular trees for food or shelter. Other plants in a forest may grow best in the shade of certain types of trees. Sometimes trees from other areas become invasive and need to be removed. If you are choosing a tree to plant in your yard, you want to know which trees might grow best there, and what their needs are, so that you can take the best care of your tree. In all of these examples, being able to identify trees correctly is very important.  Common factors that can be used to identify trees will be covered at the workshop.

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).

 

NOTE:  There will be a contest to identify different cuts of wood. Prizes will be awarded to the top three people that can identify the most woods. Re: Red oak, White Oak, White Pine etc.

April 18, 2015 Native Plants Program

On Saturday, April 18th, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., the Cumberland Woodland Owners’ Association is sponsoring a “Native Plants” program at Spring Haven Nurseries in Newburg.  Spring Haven Nurseries owner, Dave Cornman will speak at 11:00 a.m. about “Propagating Plants.” Dr. Dave Foster, Messiah College Professor of Biology & Environmental Science, will speak at 1:00 p.m. on “Foraging in Our Forests.”  Spring Haven Nurseries specializes in native woodland plants and shade perennials grown either in propagation beds or in the gardens located there.  The nursery and gardens will be open for tours between 10:00 - 5:00.

The meeting is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. If possible, please carpool.  Parking is limited.  Participants should also plan to bring their own lawnchairs.  A simple lunch will be available from 12:00 to 1:00.  Donations will be accepted.  Spring Haven Nurseries (http://springhavennatives.com/) is located at 1362 Mountain Road in Newburg.

Dr. David K. Foster is the co-author of "Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants" and "Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants." He has studied the vegetation of the world from Pennsylvania to the Desert Southwest, the Pacific Northwest, the jungles of Belize and Guatemala, the tropical forests of Amazonian Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. His great love is the temperate forests from Wisconsin and Michigan to New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina.

The art of foraging for food is as old as mankind. What is now a hobby to some was a necessity for all people of historical hunter/gatherer societies.  Before the advent of agriculture and domesticated plants, food gathered from the forest was a sole means of survival. The increasing interest in edible wild plants in our woodlands and backyards may spring from our desire to better understand and in some ways return to nature. Whether in rural or suburban areas, there is an appeal of natural foods. 

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

Forest Riparian Buffers

Forest Riparian Buffers “Forest Riparian Buffers” is the topic of the Thursday, February 19, 2015, meeting of the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association. Craig Highfield, Forests for the Bay Program Manager with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay will speak about improving our forests and forest riparian buffers to protect water resources including those that flow into the Bay. 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 workshop is handicap accessible. If you need specific accommodations, please contact Penn State Extension in advance at 717-263-9226. Forest buffers are critical to clean water. They prevent pollution from entering waterways and stabilize stream banks. Forest buffers are also vital to wildlife. They provide wildlife with food and habitat and shade streams to the benefit of sensitive aquatic species. Without forest buffers, runoff from farms and developed areas would flow directly into rivers and streams. Forest buffers are a waterway’s last line of defense against pollution that washes off the land. Forestry for the Bay is an education and outreach program for the region’s woodland owners. The goal of the program is to educate landowners about the connection between healthy woodlands & clean water and that the healthiest woods are managed. Forests for the Bay was developed through collaboration between the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the US Forest Service and the Chesapeake Bay Program, with support from the Maryland Forest Service, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry and the Virginia Department of Forestry. The purpose is to promote sound forest management practices as a way to increase the vitality of the region’s woodlands and improve the health of local streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. The Cumberland Woodland Owners Association is an organization of private forestland owners and others interested in forestry issues in south central Pennsylvania. The mission of the association is to provide information, education and an exchange of ideas to its members and others about the methods and benefits of proper forest management. For more information about the Cumberland Woodland Owners Association and the January 13th meeting, contact Fred Peabody at 717/776-3565 (email: fredp5@earthlink.net).

SCHEDULE AND MEETING AGENDA OF THE CUMBERLAND WOODLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION FOR 2015

SCHEDULE AND MEETING AGENDA OF THE CUMBERLAND WOODLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION FOR 2015 January 8th (Thursday): Diana Dellinger and Tyson Myers from NRCS in Carlisle and Chambersburg will speak to us about Grants and Monies that are available to land owners for improvements to their property. The meeting will take place at the Cumberland County Extension Office at 7:00 PM. February 19th (Thursday): Craig Highfield, Program Manager (Forests for the Bay) from The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay will speak to us about improving our Forests and Forest Riparian Buffers to protect the Bay . The meeting will take place at the Franklin County Extension Office at 7:00 PM. March 12th (Thursday): Professor Jim Finley from Penn State will speak to us about creating a Woods in your back yard. The meeting will take place at the Dickinson Township Building, at 7:00 PM. April 18th ( Saturday): Dave Foster will be speaking to us about Foraging in our forests and Dave Cornman will be speaking to us about Propagating Plants. The Meeting will take place at Spring Haven Nursery from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A simple lunch will be available from 12:00 to 1:00. Donations will be accepted. May 14th ( Thursday): Annett MaCoy from the Cumberland County Extension Office will speak to us about tree identification looking at the leaves and bark. We will also have a contest to identify different cuts of wood. Prizes will be awarded to the top three people that can identify the most woods. Re: Red oak, White Oak, White Pine etc. The meeting will take place at the Cumberland County Extension Office at 7:00 PM. June 11th (Thursday): A representative from DCNR , to be named at a later date, will be speaking to us about invasive trees and plants in our forests and what we can do to get rid of them. The meeting will take place at the Cumberland County Extension Office at 7:00 PM. September 12th (Saturday): Beth Brantley and Craig Houghton will be speaking to us about the improvements to the forests managed at Mt. Alto College and a short demonstration of their Wood Miser portable saw mill. The meeting will take place at Mt. Alto College from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. October 8th (Thursday): Anna Yelk will be speaking to us about the work the Conservancy has been doing the past several years and the work that is planned for the near future. The meeting will be held at the Cumberland County Extension Office at 7:00 PM. MARCH 20TH AND 21ST 2015 : A State wide Private Forest Landowner Conference will be held at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, PA. There will be many topics to choose from and many excellent speakers to present them. There will also be keynote speakers that are very expert in their field as to our Forest Lands. More information to follow before the New Year. Put the dates on your calendar and plan to attend and learn many excellent things about our PA Forests. Some of the above dates are subject to change. As always the public and Dauphin County group are welcome to attend any or all of our meetings. Due to inclement weather we may have to cancel a meeting, you may call the following persons to get information. Fred Peabody, 717-776-3565, Dave Cornman, 717-423-6652, Mike Waldron, 717-677-7317.

2015 Private Forest Landowner Conference

2015 Private Forest Landowner Conference Announced March 20-21, 2015 at Blair County Convention Center Media Contact – Allyson Muth – abm173@psu.edu Altoona, PA: Mark your calendars for the 2nd Private Forest Landowners Conference: The Future of Penn’s Woods, March 20-21, 2015 at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, PA. Hosted by The Center for Private Forests at Penn State and its partners the conference focuses on helping private woodland owners understand how to steward their lands for a mix of values and needs. Pennsylvania has almost 750,000 woodland landowners making decisions on 11.5 million acres of forestland, or 70% of the nearly 17 million acres of forestland in our state. Many of these owners (approx. 500,000) hold 10 acres or less (the average is about 3 acres), but big or small, the decisions all private woodland owners make about their forests affect the well-being of our state’s namesake – Penn’s woods. From suburban backyard habitat to large properties with a focus on hunting or income, woodland owners want to do well by their land. Opportunities to learn more and understanding options and possibilities help ensure that good decisions that demonstrate care for the land are made. Whether your woodlot is one acre or several thousand, we hope you will join us for this day and a half conference where you can learn about your property and how it contributes to habitat, water quality, and woodland diversity. Your land and everyone else’s is part of a larger landscape where we connect with each other and together we care for Penn’s Woods. The conference will include optional field tours, keynote addresses from nationally-renowned speakers, an optional keynote banquet, and myriad opportunities to learn more about the values you hold for your woods and the goals you’ve set for your property. Importantly, you will have opportunities to meet new and old friends who share your passion for woodland values. If you are a woodlot owner in Pennsylvania or beyond and want to learn more about your woods, visit http://ecosystems.psu.edu/private-forest-conference/ or call 1-800-235-9473 (ask for Allyson) to learn more.