The Women of WWOA spent a lovely spring day at Carl & Dorris Mueller’s Quarry Tree Farm located in Trempealeau County in May 2018. The day started out with a talk and walk about the geology of the Driftless Area with UW-Extension Assistant Professor of Geology, Jay Zambito. The tour included stops at the old quarries on the property and one of the retention ponds built to help with the runoff from the steep bluffs. After a picnic potluck lunch, Meghan Jensen, WDNR Conservation Warden in Trempealeau County, talked about her work as a warden and answered questions about her work and what wardens can do for woodland owners. The day concluded with a hands-on water sampling activity with UW-Extension’s Randy Mell. Attendees tested water from the retention pond and a nearby stream for temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. A big thank you to WOWWOA member Karen Callaway & her husband Dave, who along with her parents (Carl & Doris), helped plan such a lovely gathering!
In October 2017 WOWWOA met at UWSP’s Treehaven Field Station near Tomahawk. From there we carpooled to tour Jane Severt’s family woodlands which was nearby. As we walked the woodlands, Jane shared her family history and the history of the land. She discussed their goals and concerns when timber harvesting, including remaining tree species, building roads to minimize erosion, and family recreational activities. After a wonderful morning hike, we went back to Treehaven for a hot lunch. The remainder of the afternoon we learned about and sampled different edible plants found in the forest from a past Treehaven Plant TA.
The Women of WWOA gathered in April 2017 at Powers Bluff County Park in Wood County for a wildflower themed day that included a “flower pounding” craft and a hike. WWOA members, Judy Miller and Kay Mehlberg, shared the history and how to’s of “flower pounding” and afterward, each attendee had the opportunity to create their own note card or cloth piece using the demonstrated flower pounding techniques. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed mingling and sharing their projects, stories, and laughs with each other. After lunch, the group learned about wildflower identification either through a hike led by UWSP Biology Professor, Stephanie Lyon, or an interactive indoor presentation. Highlights of the walk included trillium, spring beauty, Dutchmen’s breeches, bellwort, and more. Print a copy of the Wisconsin Wildflowers crossword from the gathering to share with friends/family! [crossword answer key]
In October 2016 WOWWOA met at Necedah Wildlife Refuge to learn about the US Fish and Wildlife Service and how they work with and assist private landowners in attaining the goals they have for their land through their Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Attendees learned about the history of the refuge, stopping to see a few birds on a tour of the property. The women enjoyed mingling with one another, discussing their own properties and past experiences. Bernie Williams of the WI DNR discussed invasive earthworms in the afternoon, showing members how to “call” worms to the soil surface using mustard and water. Members each received their own packet of mustard to take home and try the experiment on their own lands.
In July 2016 we met at WOWWOA member, Diane Lueck’s property in Waushara County to learn about her recent start on a prairie restoration project on her family’s 80 acres. Seven acres had recently been mowed of small trees and woody brush to restore the hilly prairies that she and her family remember from years past. The event was an informal walk which included stops at many glacial features, an old root cellar, an old railroad bed, and a look at invasive plants Diane is working to control.
In April 2016 WOWWOA met at the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt. The perfect spring day included an informal nature walk with Linda Williams (WDNR) and Jamie Nack (UW-EX) where we learned about forest health, wildlife, and wildlife habitat. Nancy Bozek provided the most recent information on Managed Forest Law. Elise Worthel and Helen Moberg updated the group on the Land Handbook being developed and received wonderful feedback and suggestions. Everyone also had a chance to share their favorite outdoor reading. In the afternoon the group chose to learn about Arbor Day and kid’s activities with Elise or how to create a wildlife management plan with Jamie.
A group of 20 WOWWOA met at The Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES) in Amherst Junction in October 2015 for a day of presentations on forestry issues, wild edibles and promoting the family culture of our woodlands. Chippewa Valley Chapter (CVC) ladies hosted a spring event at the Beaver Creek Reserve in May 2015. It was a wonderful spring day in the woods! Informational presentations included a forest walk with tree identification, and presentations on native plants and butterflies and blue bird habitat restoration.
Steve and Sue Ring of Shiocton hosted a winter sleigh ride in February 2015 on their Pinevilla Tree Farm for WOWWOA. Steve explained the various forest types, previous sustainable timber harvests, recreational opportunities their land provides, and the variety of wildlife that call the tree farm home.