On Saturday, February 8, Collins Academy Director Gary Endsley joined representatives from Texas A&M University’s Texas Forest Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to deliver a Wild Life and Forestry Management Field Day to about 20 small acreage property owners. The event was conducted on the property of Michael Weerts in Cass County, which is a site of Pollinator Pals improved habitat started three years ago by several students groups facilitated by Collins Academy.
Topics included wildlife management on small acreages, hardwood and shortleaf pine management, forestry best management practices, pollinator plantings, hardwood management and exotic controls, benefits of prescribed burning and a short prescribed fire demonstration.
The program was free to the public, lunch was provided and field transportation was available for those needing it. Collins Academy thanks Jessica Rymel with AgriLife Extension in Cass County, Penny Wilkerson with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Michael Weerts with Texas Forest Service for planning and delivery of this successful field day. Collins Academy looks forward to partnering with this group of highly skilled and motivated professionals for the next iteration of this unique conservation stewardship workshop.
(L) Buddy Rosser speaks about stream side management.
(R) Michael Weerts shows erosion controls to landowners.
(Below) Penny Wilkerson gives an overview of the day’s activities.
