I regularly have conversations with farmers, foresters, and family woodland owners who have misconceptions about agroforestry. I get it because agroforestry consists of many different practices which aren’t applicable to every situation. When I attempt to simplify the subject, I say agroforestry is just a fancy word for incorporating trees in agricultural landscapes. However, I insist that the principles behind it are useful for any landowner to […]
Blog
Author: Tony Johnson
Leaving Wood for Wildlife
If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is there to see it, does it make a mess? On a recent trip to my in-laws, I took a walk with my dog in their woodlot. It was a crisp fall day and the wind whistled through the open under-story. Most of the leaves had […]
A Woodland Owner’s Journey Through the Bureaucracy
‘Conservation is seldom convenient’ – Randy Newberg I often think about this quote when talking with landowners looking for help with their woods. Whether help is answering a question about a tree, putting together a Forest Management Plan, or executing that plan, there are many different people, programs, and sources of information to consider. In extension forestry, our first recommendation is usually […]
Consider the Moss
One of the joys of walking in the woods with a toddler is moving slowly enough to appreciate the little things. I like to walk with my 2-year-old daughter at a State Natural Area (SNA) near our home. She’s got a different perspective from me, due both to her size and her relationship with the […]
Better Birding: How to Get Started?
While taking a family walk on Mother’s Day, my wife pointed out a female Baltimore Oriole in its yellow plumage. My sister-in-law, who could not ID the bird, was impressed. She sighed, ‘I wish I knew birds…’ Her comment got me thinking. How did we learn about birds and what tips would I share with […]
Taking a Snapshot of Wisconsin’s Wildlife
Have you ever wondered what’s wandering the woods when you’re not there? Motion-triggered trail cameras are a great way to find out. Trail cameras have been popular in the whitetail hunting world for a while. However, in recent years the technology has greatly improved, and the prices have plummeted. As trail cameras become more accessible, outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts are pursuing […]
The Sit Spot Challenge
I’ve been working from home lately, and have found a lot of joy watching nature come back to life this spring. Things change quickly in spring and considering the pandemic we’re living through, even more so in 2020. As we adjust to the new reality, all of us at UW-Madison Extension are working on ways to […]