Green Horizons

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, more than 80 people commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Tree Farm Program in Missouri. It was only fitting that the celebration take place on the Shannondale Tree Farm, the oldest continuously owned Tree Farm in the state.

Mike Gaskin talks about forest management at one of the afternoon field stops.

The highlight of the morning’s indoor session was a series of reflections by three of the Rev. Vincent Bucher’s children on what life was like on the Shannondale property in the 1930s and 1940s. Shannondale was established by the United Church of Christ with the Rev. Bucher serving as its first pastor. It was through his efforts to demonstrate good forest stewardship to local landowners that Shannondale became one of the first Tree Farms back in 1949. The children’s stories helped connect all those in attendance with what had been accomplished on the property over the many years of ownership by the Church.

During lunch, awards were presented. Regional Tree Farm winners were announced: Leroy Jackson, Randolph County; Rick Nickelson, Callaway County; Dwight & Barb Ittner, McDonald County; Dan Jarvis, Iron County; and Jacoby Land & Timber, Wright County. Jacoby Land & Timber was recognized as the 2008 Missouri Tree Farmer of the Year.

Inspecting foresters were also recognized and rewarded for their efforts inspecting the Tree Farms in Missouri.

The John P. Slusher Award is awarded to a professional forester who has served the Tree Farm Program. This year’s recipient was Gary Smith, District Forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Gary has worked for more than 35 years with the Tree Farm Program and the award was a fitting tribute to his tireless efforts.

The Fred Bergman Award was presented to John Keesey posthumously. Mr. Keesey, Consulting Forester, had worked many years with Shannondale assisting them in their forest management efforts. In memory of John and his long-standing association with Shannondale, a burr oak tree (donated by fellow Tree Farmers Scott Brundage and Jeremy Wilson) was planted on the grounds prior to the Saturday event.

Afternoon activities took full advantage of the beautiful October day with field site visits highlighting proper timber harvesting, wildlife management, best management practices and Shannondale’s facilities.