Oxen logger and licensed forester Tom Jenkins of Blue Dog Forestry in Westhampton will demonstrate techniques for harvesting timber with draft animals Jan. 14 in Westhampton.
The event is part of a landowner education program called “Winter Woodlands and Wildlife Series” that the Hilltown Land Trust has put together for the winter of 2017.
A seventh-generation oxen logger, Jenkins will show how his logging team maneuvers and transports large logs and will also discuss why this style of logging is more environmentally friendly and economical for small timber harvests.
According to the Hilltown Land Trust, as concern increases over the resiliency of forest ecosystems, many landowners are using draft animal power to harvest their trees more sustainably.
Logging with draft animals instead of machinery reduces the ecological impact of timber harvesting by minimizing soil compaction and erosion, and allowing for smaller skid trails and more selective cuts. Sustainable draft logging can also be more economical, especially in areas of low tree density.
The demonstration will include a campfire discussion of sustainable forest management plans and tips for choosing a forester and logger.
Participants will also hear about the agro-forestry plans for this 400-acre property in Westhampton, which the Hilltown Land Trust is actively protecting.
The event requires a short hike into the woods. There will be no bathroom facilities available and dogs are not allowed to attend.
This program will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and is $10 for Hilltown Land Trust or The Trustees of Reservations members; $15 for non-members, and free for children.
Event details and directions will be emailed upon registration. To register, please contact: Tamsin at hltlandsteward@thetrustees.org or call: 628-4485 ext. 4
In the case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Jan. 28.
For more information on the “Winter Woodlands and Wildlife Series” visit: www. hilltown-land-trust.org
A Contra-Dance fundraiser for the Pipe Line Awareness Network for the Northeast (PLAN) will be held in Cummington on Saturday, Jan. 14.
This family-friendly event will feature Steve Howland and other local musicians and will be led by caller Sadie Stull, and soup and refreshments will be provided by Alice Cozzolino’s Kitchen.
The proceeds from the fundraiser will support legal efforts to protect natural resources that PLAN says are threatened by Kinder Morgan’s Connecticut Expansion Pipeline Project.
The project is slated to cut though Otis State Forest in Sandisfield.
PLAN president Katy Eiseman will be on hand to update participants on the status of pipeline project.
This event will be held at 7 p.m. in the Parish House of the West Cummington Church located at 27 West Main St.
Donations of $25 are suggested but any amount will be accepted.
For more information about the event, please call Jane Crosby at 634-8043
To find out more about PLAN, visit: www.plan-ne.org.
The Plainfield Congregational Church raised nearly $700 from its Christmas Eve service to go towards “Sharing Christmas at the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry.”
Two food pantries located in different counties currently serve the town of Plainfield. These include the Hampshire County Food Pantry in Goshen and Hilltown Churches Food Pantry in Ashfield.
Hilltown Churches Food Pantry is open on the second and fourth Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Ashfield Congregational Church, and the Hampshire County Food Pantry at the Goshen Town Hall is open from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 1 to 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.
Ideas for this column on life in the hilltowns can be sent to Fran Ryan at Fryan.gazette@gmail.com