Hardwoods Food Plot
“This property is proof that small acrage can yield wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities when done properly.”
Project Status: On-going Management
Location: Annandale, MN
The Challenge: This 1-acre project in Annandale focused on restoring balance to a beautiful hardwood forest comprised of oaks, maples, basswood, ironwood, and cedar thickets. The primary challenge was an extensive and persistent buckthorn infestation originating from adjacent state woodlands, severely impacting the native ecosystem.
Our Goals:
Restore Balance to the Wooded Areas: Reducing the dominance of invasive buckthorn and promoting the health and regeneration of native hardwood species.
Create More Wildlife Viewing/Hunting Opportunities: Enhancing the habitat to support a greater abundance and diversity of wildlife.
Project Phases & Timeline:
2020: Invasive Species Removal Begins: The project commenced with the labor-intensive removal of mature buckthorn, with the resulting piles burned on-site.
2021: Ongoing Maintenance Commences: Following the initial removal, two seasons of follow-up foliar herbicide applications were conducted to effectively control buckthorn seedlings and prevent re-establishment.
Selective Canopy Thinning: Strategic removal of select boxelder trees was undertaken to open up the forest canopy, allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor and encourage the natural regeneration of native plants.
Woodland Food Plot Establishment: A dedicated food plot was planted within the woodland area to provide supplemental forage and enhance hunting opportunities.
Remarkable Results:
We're thrilled to report significant positive changes within this woodland ecosystem! There has been a notable increase in deer activity, alongside more frequent sightings of other wildlife such as owls, red fox, turkey, and pheasants. Importantly, whitetail fawns are now being born and raised successfully on the property, indicating improved habitat security. Several broods of turkey poults have also been raised throughout the summer on the property, demonstrating enhanced nesting and brood-rearing conditions. Furthermore, the management efforts in the wooded area have effectively opened up suitable roost trees for turkeys and created strategic perching locations for birds of prey, improving their hunting success.
Looking Ahead:
Our ongoing management will continue to focus on maintaining the reduced buckthorn levels and supporting the natural regeneration of the native hardwood forest. We'll also monitor the success of the food plot and adapt management strategies as needed to ensure the long-term health and vitality of this restored woodland habitat.
