Wildlife Habitat Improvement
Project Status: In-Progress
Location: Andover, MN
The Project: This ambitious 18-acre project in Andover encompasses a diverse landscape of mature oak hardwoods, several small ponds, remnants of old tree plantations (including spruce and maple stands), and interspersed agricultural fields. Our primary focus is to enhance the property specifically for deer, addressing a significant buckthorn infestation while strategically improving habitat structure.
Our Goals:
Increase Deer Activity: Creating strategically cut and curated tunnels throughout the property to encourage deer movement.
Enhance Deer Cover and Bedding: Establishing more secure bedding areas and cover through targeted plantings and brush manipulation.
Increase Late Fall Vegetation: Promoting plant species that provide forage and cover during the late hunting season.
Project Phases & Timeline:
April 2025: Woody Removal and Timber Stand Improvement (TSI): We've recently completed the initial phase of removing invasive buckthorn from the hardwood areas to increase sunlight penetration and encourage the regeneration of native plant species. Additionally, we've implemented timber stand improvement (TSI) techniques to enhance the overall health and structure of the existing woodlands.
March - May 2025: Planting and Habitat Creation Underway: We are currently in the active planting and habitat creation phase, which includes:
Brush Piling and Scattering: Utilizing cut brush to create valuable structure for deer bedding areas.
Maple Stand Thinning: Selectively cutting and high-cutting trees within an overgrown maple planting to improve light availability and create better habitat.
Food Plot and Bedding Area Prep & Seeding: Preparing and seeding a designated area for a food plot and establishing new wildlife bedding cover.
Spruce Stand Thinning for Travel Corridors: Selectively cutting trees in the dense spruce planting to create small, inviting tunnels and trails for deer movement.
New Clearing Establishment: Clearing, preparing, and seeding a new opening with native grasses and forbs to establish a secluded bedding area and reliable food source.
Early Progress:
With the initial buckthorn removal and TSI work completed, we are now actively shaping the landscape to better serve the deer population. The brush piles are beginning to provide immediate cover, and the thinning of the maple and spruce stands is starting to create the desired structure and travel corridors. We anticipate the newly seeded food plot and bedding areas will begin to establish as the growing season progresses.
Looking Ahead:
We will continue to monitor the progress of the plantings and habitat modifications throughout the year. Our ongoing efforts will focus on ensuring the successful establishment of the new vegetation and observing how the deer utilize the created tunnels and bedding areas.
Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting habitat enhancement project!
