Considerable time is spent thinking about the steps you must take to establish your garden. You think about the plants you want to grow, how each plant can be placed to enhance its growth and development, and the fertility of your soils. Towards the end of the summer, you start thinking about timing harvest to beat the first frost. At times, you may also have to deal with other factors such as insect pests, weeds, and disease. The planning you invest in your garden is, in many respects, similar to forest management planning.
Forest management is also a truly rewarding experience.
Forestry requires time spent planning, thinking, and decision-making. Effort devoted to forests, or forest stewardship, can contribute to multiple objectives related to wildlife, water quality, recreational opportunities, aesthetic qualities, soil fertility, and timber production. Historically, forests were seen only for their timber production value, but this is not consistent with our current understanding of forest stewardship. The activities and rewards you enjoy from your forest are numerous, but the first step requires you recognize your objectives. A professional forester, or a Cornell Cooperative Extension volunteer such as a Master Forest Owner, can help you think through your objectives.