Another from Illinois | New Member Introduction | Forums

So far we put a road in on 2007.  Next came a privy.  Spouse likes it better than behind a tree.  The privy is about 8x8 with storage area and 2 50 gal drums.  County said we had to have a container, so we went with a twoholer.  Added a 10x12 shed for storage.  Then2 yrs ago a covered outdoor kitchen.  The aspen was falling at every wind, so had aspen only logged.  Planted 500 trees last year and will do 600 more in may.  Good deer activity.  Moose seem to winter over about every other year.  Have a little black bear that comes to visit.  The ground is covered with hazelnuts, raspberry, thimble berry and dewberry.

Our place is a hard zone 4 and parts actually fall zone 3.  We looked a forestrys tree selections and decided to put burr oak around the building area for fire issues.  Added red oak in other areas.  This year it's birch, sugar maple, white cedars, choke cherry, wild plum and butternut.  The goal is for trees that can produce something as well as beauty and variety.  We are on the norther edge for butternut.  The neighbor has had a butternut outside in a pot for the last two years.  It has done very well so decided that would be a nice add.  As we look at the hills, sun exposure and current mix of trees, we are placing them to maximize growth, provide deer shelter, deer shooting lanes, and ease of care.  The planning is fun but takes a lot of time.