Trees Forever to Host Conservation Buffer Field Day in Story County

Ames, Iowa – (October 20, 2009) Area farmers and landowners interested in learning more about a variety of conservation practices are invited to attend a buffer field day at the Biechler family’s RiverRidge Farm in Story County, north of Ames. The event will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Trees Forever is co-hosting this event in conjunction with the Dean Biechler family as part of the Working Watersheds: Buffers & Beyond program.


Hosts Dean & Josef Biechler will discuss the various plantings and conservation practices they have utilized on their farm. Trees Forever Program Manager Pamela Helfer will discuss resources available through the Trees Forever buffer program. Attendees will then break into small groups to tour and discuss various conservation practices employed around the farm, including a prairie restoration project, timber stand improvements, and rotational grazing.


“Over the years, the Beichler family has really embraced the idea of farming in a way that respects and preserves the natural environment,” notes Helfer. “They have also maintained and enhanced the wildlife habitat offered by the natural spaces on their farm.”


The public is invited to attend this buffer field day event. To get to RiverRidge Farm, travel north from Ames on Highway 69 to the Gilbert corner. Go east on 170th Street, then north on 563rd Street. Then go east on 160th Street to the dead end and park along the road.


For more information about the Biechler family’s RiverRidge Farm field day event, or about the Trees Forever Working Watersheds: Buffers and Beyond program, please contact Pamela Helfer at (515) 292-4235 or log onto www.TreesForever.org.


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Trees Forever is a nonprofit organization based in Marion, IA committed to planting trees, encouraging community involvement and stewardship, and caring for the environment. Programs focus on improving air and water quality, increasing wildlife habitat, providing substantial energy savings and beautifying our landscape. For more information visit www.treesforever.org or call 800-369-1269.