Contributed by the Muscatine County Soil and Water Conservation District
MUSCATINE, Iowa–Greg Garvin is a landowner in Sweetland Township, Muscatine County. He was chosen as the 2021 Muscatine County Conservationist of the Year. The award is presented annually by the Muscatine County Soil and Water Conservation District. Greg was recognized for his efforts to improve the health of his forest and improve wildlife habitat on his farm.
Mark Vitosh is a District Forester with the Iowa DNR. Vitosh commented: “I have worked with Greg Garvin and his family for 20 years. I have watched multiple tree plantings go from one to two foot seedlings to flourishing forests. These forest plantings will leave a legacy of multiple environmental benefits.” Greg has been working to improve his farm by planting trees, removing invasive Honeysuckle, and opening up the canopy of his forest by a practice known as Crop Tree Release.
Crop Tree Release (CTR) is one of the practices that Greg has implemented on his farm. This process starts by a trained forester identifying “crop trees.” These trees can be selected for their wildlife benefits, commercial value, or aesthetics. The definition of a crop tree varies by landowner and their goals. Common species to favor are Bur Oak, White Oak, Shagbark Hickory, and Walnut.
Once the desired trees are identified, the landowner girdles any tree that is competing with the canopy of a desired tree. Girdling is a technique that cuts a ring around the tree, severing the cambium layer. This cuts off the flow of nutrients and water to the upper reaches of the tree. This will cause the tree to die over the next year. When released trees are given more sunlight, it will accelerate their growth. Other benefits can include a more vigorous stand, larger nut crops for wildlife, and acceleration to merchantable lumber. There are also benefits to dead, standing trees. Many insect, bird, and bat species will use dead trees for shelter and offerings of food.
If you have questions about conservation opportunities or improving the health of your forest, please contact the Muscatine NRCS at 563-263-7944×3.
