2017 Fall Landowner Tour

Chilton County Master Gardeners volunteered for the Fall Landowner Tour hosted by the Chilton Natural Resources Council on October 9th at the L.C. “Foots” Parnell property near Stanton.  The event was “Rain or Shine” and it was a very damp day following right after Hurricane Nate dropped over seven inches of rain on the property. Fortunately there was only a light shower during lunch.

Master Gardeners helped with parking, registration, morning snacks and serving lunch. Thanks go to Master Gardeners Rick Miller, Larry Jones, Diane Clapp, Lola Patterson, Harriett Jackson, Sherry Ray, Donna Babin and Trisha Williams.

In addition to volunteering Master Gardeners got to ride along on the wagons and attend the educational sessions.We learned about Intensive Pine Management for Aesthetics, Wildlife Openings and Management, Hardwoods and Prescribed Burning, and Longleaf Pine Management. The highlight of the tour was the Landowner Objective and History session given by property owner Foots Parnell, the sixth generation to own the property. He talked with us about his family history with the property and the steps he has implemented to grow pine trees and manage for wildlife. We also toured his weekend home.

The Chilton Natural Resources Council did a great job with the Fall Landowner Tour and those of us that attended encourage anyone interested in forests and wildlife to attend a future tour.

Photo Credit: Gay West & Trisha Williams

Members Help With Fall Forestry Tour

Master Gardeners help with Forestry Tour

Chilton County Master Gardener members Audrey Giles, Harriett Jackson, and Sarah Saunders attended and helped with the Fall Landowner Forestry Tour on October 10th. This event is hosted by the Chilton Natural Resources Council and covers various topics including land maintenance and rules and regulations. The tour was held on the property of Wade Connell in Clanton and included stops throughout the property.  A representative from Plantation Pipeline spoke about the petroleum pipeline that runs through the property and the caution that must be taken before digging around them or starting a project close by. Other subjects discussed were wildlife food plots, a fungi pest that affects roots of trees, boundary lines and firebreak maintenance. The tour was concluded with lunch which was barbecue provided by Hickory Chip and served by the master gardeners and door prizes that were provided by local businesses that helped sponsor the tour.