Timber Management Workshop March 25U of I Extension NewsMarch 11, 2015

Timber Management Workshop March 25

Spring weather brings on an abundance of growth and understanding invasive species and what harm they can do to your timber stand and the habitat is the first step in gaining control. Many invasive plants affect the timberlands health, productivity, access and use, increased management costs, and limits species diversity. As land owners we must be proactive in controlling invasive species to maintain the health, function and long term productivity of the woodlot.

University of Illinois Extension and Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District hosted a similar program last fall. Spring brings on new challenges and those will be addressed. Fall attendees are encouraged to attend the spring workshop. You do not have to have attended the fall workshop to participate in this workshop.

Karla Gage, Coordinator for River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area will lead this morning workshop. Gage will cover invasive species in Illinois forests, there identification and ecology, in addition there will be a demonstration of control and management equipment. The workshop will conclude with a short on-site tour of a local timber stand to evaluate plants and management of invasive species.

Workshop will be held Wednesday, March 25 from 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, 801 Lake Road, Carlyle. Space is limited, register today by calling 618-526-4551. Registration Deadline is Monday, March 23.

For additional information or if you need a reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please contact Gail DeVilbiss at 618-526-4551.

Register To Be A Certified Shooting Sports Instructor

Adults interested in teaching the shooting sports hobby to young people will want to attend the spring adult volunteer certification training for the Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program May 1-3 at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age.

Last year, 4-H members enrolled in nearly 5,000 shooting sports projects. More than 700 volunteers have been trained to oversee Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports clubs. This will be the only training before fall.

Volunteers must register through their local U of I Extension office and complete necessary background checks. Check in begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 1. The training ends at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3. Volunteers must be present for all hours of the training to receive their certification. Registration opens in March.

There are five different ways you can help. You may wish to be a certified instructor in archery, rifle, shotgun, or hunting and wildlife. Or, you may wish to help oversee the entire shooting sports program by serving as the overall club coordinator.

Remember, volunteers will work with their local Extension 4-H staff to establish or add to an existing shooting sports program in the county. Learn more about the Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program at: web.extension.illinois.edu/shootingsports.

Upcoming Extension Events

Mar 12 Tree Fruit Pruning Clinic, Dixon Springs

Mar 14 Simply the Best

Mar 14 Kid’s Day at Cedarhurst

Mar 17 Washington County Extension Board Meeting

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact the extension office at (618)327-8881