If I Were a Pheasant, What Would I Want?: Tree Planting for Wildlife

When Mike Kennedy first purchased his 500-acre Fillmore County farm, he knew nothing about agriculture, wildlife habitat or the environmental sensitivities of this southeastern Minnesota tract of land. Nonetheless, after 15 years of relentless dedication to the environment, Kennedy has created an absolute paradise for conservation and wildlife.

Fillmore County NRCS staff, including technician Robert Joachim, helped Kennedy formulate a complete farm plan that included native grass plantings, pond installations, timber stand improvement measures, food plots, tree plantings and re-cultivating an apple orchard.

“After 10 years of practice, the farm boasts a very diverse ecosystem,” Joachim said, “Mike has addressed each environmental and wildlife habitat consideration, creating a model farm from a whole farm planning perspective.”

A large part of the Kennedy habitat restoration and creation project has been tree planting and forest maintenance. Much of southeastern Minnesota is covered with mature oak forest. Kennedy recognized that maintaining the health and vitality of these parts of his farm was a significant management factor.

“As I began to understand habitat creation considerations,” Kennedy said, “I would look at the project area in question and ask myself. ‘If I was a pheasant, what would I want?’ This seems to be a rudimentary explanation to habitat planning, but it works.”

Kennedy also credits local farmer, Gerald Peter, with giving him advice on agricultural practices and the National Wild Turkey Federation for additional cost-share assistance.

Excerpts from an article in Outdoor News, May 21, 2004, by contributing writer and NRCS Soil Conservation Technician, Colin Williams, Lewiston, MN.

Your contact is Karen Buckley, Area Public Affairs Specialist at 507/289-7554 or karen.buckley@mn.usda.gov.