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From worn-out farm to thriving forest in Iowa
Jerry Rediger planted an experimental direct seeded forest on 44 acres in Kalona, starting in 1997 after purchasing the farm in 1993. A dense mix of walnut, black cherry, basswood, ash and five oak species now carpets the land, with over 3,000 saplings per acre and plans for selective thinning to maximize future value. State foresters and ISU experts note the stand’s straight growth and future commercial potential.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kalona
Jerry Rediger
Rediger
Iowa
Steve Hamilton
Cedar Rapids
Hamilton
Department of Natural Resources
Ray Lehn
Jesse Randall
Iowa State University Extension
Sy Bean
Iowa State Forestry Extension