Lots to Keep Us Busy on the Family Tree Farm

Laurie & Jim Marsh on their tree farm

By Laurie Schroeder Marsh
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On the Schroeder Home Place for the last year, family members of MOSH Tree Farm have been busy with numerous woodland activities:
 
After planting over 3000 Western Red Cedar seedlings in 2018, we have been busy whacking back nasty invasives such as blackberry and poison oak, scarifying around each tree to allow for optimal growth. 
 
We have re-established trails throughout the property that our grandparents originally maintained and named, which has allowed us easier access to our baby trees. It has been fun during COVID to connect with family and friends outdoors by walking our mile of trails throughout the property, while we share our enjoyment of the abundant plant and wildlife friends such as deer, bobcat, and the Great Horned Owl we have named Stanley, among others. 
 
We have yarded logs with the Logrite ATV and Junior arches, turning downed logs leftover from thinning into firewood, producing, selling and delivering over 40 cords of bulk firewood in a four-month period of time through OWC and a roadside sign near our home.
 
Our Supersplit has been humming, busting through any round we can get on the table.  Now we are focusing on pulling fuel from the forest floor before the poison oak leaves appear, trying to leave intentional wildlife habitat locations.  Our intention is to minimize the risk of fire.  Our property borders a busy road where cigarette butts are dropped and sparks from vehicles on the road could start a fire.  
 
We are thankful for the support of fellow OWC members who have provided advice, education and networking, offered trailers, free wood for firewood and the camaraderie of fellow small woodland owners.  

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