As an outreach effort on behalf of the Georgia Tree Farm Program, we were asked to host a field day on our land. The event was held in our farm shop/equipment shelter in Schley County on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
The driving force in our family tree farm is the legacy aspect of the land. We have some tracts that belonged to my great grandfather and some that were purchased by my father-in-law. We have added a number of tracts through purchases we have made over the last 40+ years. Our desire, expressed often to our children and grandchildren, is that the land remain in our family and never be treated as “just other asset” which can be exchanged for other investments.
One of the main ways we work toward that goal is getting our daughters, their husbands, and their eight children on the land—show them a good time, make memories, have them contribute labor on various age-appropriate tasks, invite friends and other family members,…
Our family worked together to prepare our farm for the visitors. The Georgia Tree Farm operating committee under the leadership of Frank Green and Steve Chapman worked tirelessly with the Georgia Forestry Commission, other state agencies, private wildlife and forestry vendors, and various forestry organizations to plan the event.
A copy of the flier sent to area landowners is shown below.
In preparation for the day, we worked to completely empty the equipment shed, clean the floor, set up the audio and video equipment, arrange tables and chairs, and a host of other miscellaneous tasks. Both my sons-in-law worked with me to prepare the site. The following photos and videos show some of the prework.
Kemble Teague showing the finished product of his tractor wash operation
Kemble moving 1936 John Deere Unstyled Model A into position in the tractor wash queue. It served as the “sign post” for the various signs posted at the road welcoming our guests for the day.
Equipment lineup after exiting tractor wash
Frank Green, Program Administrator for the Georgia Tree Farm Program, gives a thumbs up to the field day preparations. (I think his joyful expression is the result of finding a piece of farm equipment that pre-dates him.)
Not shown in the preparation photos is Chip Lay who set up the audio and video equipment for the presentations and worked on last-minute details.
Following are photos and one video showing some of the various speakers and presentations for the day.
For obvious reasons the video above is my favorite, as my oldest granddaughter, Vivi Lay, addresses the attendees on what our family tree farm means to her and our seven other grandchildren. The primary goal my wife and I have for our tree farm is to pass on the heritage in the land to our grandchildren. Vivi’s speech gives us great comfort that we are moving toward that goal.
Chase Cook speaking on the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
Lisa Duncan, Stewardship Specialist for the Georgia Forestry Commission, speaks with a landowner. Lisa has written most of our stewardship plans and has done all the updates to the plans for the last many years. Her plans are detailed, up-to-date, and provide road maps for managing the various tracts.
Wildlife Specialist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources speaks with landowners on the declining wild turkey population
Dr. David Clabo, professor with the University of Georgia, speaks to landowners on pine genetics
Forester with F&W Forestry Services gives update and outlook for area timber markets
Travis Ingram, a fish pond consultant, gave a very interesting presentation at our pond on effective pond management. He covered fertilization, pesticide use, and supplemental feeding among other topics.
Regrettably, we have no photos of Mark McClure—GFC Forest Health Specialist, who gave a very interesting presentation on forest pests, with samples of the various enemy beetles of pine trees. Unfortunately, but timely, Mark was able to give his presentation under a canopy of natural growth loblolly pines recently killed in a small southern pine beetle infestation on our farm. Our first interaction with Mark was 25 years ago, when he contacted us concerning a pine beetle infestation spotted in a GFC air survey.
He is the cogon grass expert in the state and worked with us several years ago, successfully eradicating a small area of cogon grass on one of our tracts. Mark’s success in eliminating EVERY cogon grass spot in the state is the envy of bordering states who have all but given up the fight against this non-native invasive species. It ranks very high in the top 10 list of worst invasive species in the world.
Additionally, he has worked with us on treating other invasive species commonly found in our area, including chinaberry and privet.
Frank Green and Jamie Pitts talk at the Tree Farm table
The Georgia Forestry Commission took care of onsite transportation to the various field stations with their trucks and trolleys, as well as many other equipment and setup needs for the day.
Ken Parker, GFC Specialist—Wildfire Mitigation, brought us up to date on the latest in prescribed fire and the streamlined burn permit process
R. T. Lumpkin, GFC Prescribed Fire Burn Center Coordinator, speaking with landowners about his work in promoting prescribed fire in our area
Steve Lloyd, American Forest Foundation, which oversees the Tree Farm Program across the country, addressed the group on the importance of the program in promoting and supporting private landowners
Steve Chapman, current chairman of the Georgia Tree Farm Program, recognizes his predecessor, Aaron Burton, for his contributions to the program.
Tim Lowrimore, the always visible and always supportive Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, addresses the attendees.
Tim speaks with Heather Brasell, the Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year for 2022.
Update: Heather was selected as the Regional Tree Farmer of the Year AND the National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year for 2023.
Congratulations, Heather!
On behalf of our family, we want to thank the many who contributed to our field day. We could not have asked for more support and we look forward to participating in such events across our state in the future.
Mike Harrison