The Winston Forestry Association (WFA) kicks off fall programming at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee Wildlife Refuge. The WFA mission is to educate landowners in Winston County on ways and means to make their forestland, profitable, wildlife friendly, and environmentally sound. Due to market driven and landowner interest in replanting hardwood species in our county, the WFA decided to address this concern by means of a tour in an actual hardwood planted site.
The site was located at the Noxubee Refuge and gave much insight on hardwood species, tree spacing and age categories of species at maturity. Hosting the tour was Refuge Forester Mr. Eddie Harsh, and MSU Extension Forester Dr. Brady Self. They explained site specifications, and combination planting of species to produce marketable hardwood timber.
Not only did this program show actual timber production on site, Dr. Self did a classroom presentation on research based hardwood regeneration techniques proven to be successful in Mississippi. Everyone had specific questions in which the Foresters on site was able to give insight to attendee concerns.
One of the greatest aspects of attending WFA meetings is the chance to network with landowners addressing the same concerns, and professionals that can offer assistance to help implement best management practices to ensure your success. If you’d like to join the WFA, give me a call at the Winston Extension Office, 662-773-3091. Your success is our success too, we’d love to have you!
