An Iowa Timber

Reforestation Project

Report

 About six years ago the Young Iowa Tractor Boys determined to conduct a reforestration project on a tract of timber that has been in the family since 1946 or 1947.  During my recent visit to Iowa to see family and friends my Nephews conducted a field trip to the project.  I have fond memories of walking this timber with my Dad when he purchased it.  I was six years old at the time.  Above you see the nephew who coordinated the project.  He is standing beside a walnut tree.

 On of my nephews has three sons.  Here you see two of them posing by a twelve foot tall Walnut tree.  Not the plastic sleeve that the tree is growing in.  This protects the tree from being destroyed by deer and other animals. 

 Here you see the Dad of the two young boys shown above.  He is the oldest of my Nephews.

This Nephew had to have his picture taken besides a more mature tree.  I think his purpose was to display that "his" tree had grown faster than the others.

 In addition to Walnut trees, the reforesting involved the planting of Red Oak and White Oak Trees.  Please note the ground cover which protects the soil from erosion. 

Here you view three of the four nephews who are Iowa Tractor Boys.  The fourth one could not make the field trip because of work obligations at John Deere  Moline "Harvestor" works.  Additionally you can once again see the "Iowa Tractor Boys In Training" in the foreground.  I appreciated the opportunity to participate in this field trip because it allowed me to view the work on this project.  This tract of timber has been in the family for over sixty years and it was rewarding to see the results of this planting project.  These Iowa Tractor Boys are certainly preparing for the future.  Who knows what the price of Walnut logs will be in forty years?