Habitat

We have a broad interest in keeping the land we share.

In 1995, we planted 8500 trees and small bushes to enhance the wildlife populations. All farming is "no-till", which greatly reduces soil erosion and helps increase water quality. Four wetlands have been created which are used by waterfowl and many other migratory birds. We have blinds in place for observing wild animals with minimal disturbance of their natural behavior. Bluebird nest boxes have been placed over the property and Canada Geese nesting structures have been set up in the ponds and wetlands.

We have placed "filter strips" (a wide band of vegetation) along all cultivated fields that border West Creek. These strips slow down and filter out chemicals used in growing crops. These strips also provide cover for wildlife of all kinds. Recently, we joined state efforts to increase Bobwhite Quail by planting quail habitat on all our cultivated field borders.

We're fencing off ponds within our grasslands and installing cattle watering tanks. This provides good clean water for the cattle and allows vegetation to grow to the pond's edge, increasing water quality and resulting in better habitat for fish and wildlife.

<< Experience

Our cultivated land is planted with soybeans one year and then corn the next. This farming method provides for reduced erosion and increased food for wildlife. We have several fields of Eastern Gamma grass, a native grass which grows to over 6 ft in height and provides good nesting cover.

Within the timbered areas, we thin the stands to provide food patches for deer and turkey and to reduce competition for growing Black Walnut trees. We then create wood piles from the cut trees to provide habitat for rabbits and quail. We try to keep the tree growth out of the open pastures and promote tree growth in the draws and timbered areas.

In addition to providing great hunting and fishing experiences, we hope these combined efforts make our land enjoyable and livable for many years to come.

History >>