Trees Forever, the Iowa Woodland Owners Association, and Iowa Nut Growers Association invite the public to an Eat Your Way to Water Quality Fall Field Day Tour on Saturday, Sept. 30th starting at Red Bird Farm at 10:00 a.m.  This will be an opportunity to learn about agroforestry, water quality, chestnut production & marketing, and how you can reap the benefits of money growing on trees. 

“We have a fantastic group of properties in close proximity for us to tour while learning about chestnuts, agroforestry and improving water quality in Iowa,” said Trees Forever Program Manager Jeff Jensen.  Red Bird Farm, 2254 Black Diamond Rd. SW, IA City, is the first tour of the day and meeting location starting at 10:00 a.m. Owner Paul Millice has spent the better part of the last decade restoring the property and adding diversity for wildlife habitat and improved water quality.   

The Gingerich Farm, 3151 F52 Trail, Parnell, Iowa is the second stop of the day and features a newly established agroforestry planting with chestnuts, hazelnuts, and other crops providing a wide range of benefits. 

The last tour of the day is a Q & A session with landowner Margaret Ruddy who has mature chestnuts producing on 12-13-14, and 15 year old trees.  Maintenance, marketing, and general production will be discussed as well as an opportunity to walk through the orchard. 

Lunch will be served at the St Michaels Community Center in Holbrook after the chestnut tour.  The Iowa Nut Growers Association will also be having their fall meeting following lunch, all are welcome. 

For more information, including a full agenda and map of the stops contact Jeff Jensen at jjensen@treesforever.org or via phone at 515-320-6756.    There is no cost to attend; lunch will be served so please RSVP to Jeff Jensen by Sept. 28th at 515-3206756 indicating how many are planning to attend.   

Eat Your Way to Water Quality

Fall Field Tour

Saturday, Sept. 30th 10:00 – 1:00

Starting Location - Red Bird Farm, 2254 Black Diamond Rd. SW IA City IA

First Stop: Elana Gingerich, 3151 F52 Trail, Parnell, Iowa

Second Stop – Margaret Ruddy Chestnut Orchard,

Lunch Stop – St Michaels Community Center, Holbrook IA

 

 

9:30                         Sign-in, coffee, treats, fellowship

 

10:00                          Welcome - Celebrating 20 Years of Water Quality!

Jeff Jensen, Trees Forever

                       

10:05                          Overview & Tour of Red Bird Farm

Paul Millice, Farm Owner

           

11:10                          Overview & tour of Gingerich Farm  

Elana Gingerich, Operator will talk about chestnuts, establishment, maintenance, and cost share.

                                               

12:20                          Q & A Orchard Tour with Margaret Ruddy  

Margaret Ruddy, Owner/Operator will talk about maintenance, marketing, harvesting, and more

 

1:00                         Adjourn

 

1:00                            Join us for lunch at the St Michaels Community Center, Holbrook IA

Sponsors include:   Iowa Nut Growers Association, Trees Forever, Red Bird

Farm, Gingerich Farms, and IA Woodland Owners Assoc.