So I have only been firewooding since I moved to my current home which was about 7 years ago. Has a huge natural fireplace and 3/4 of an acre which is plenty for me to do "outside stuff" with. Started hoarding to feed the fireplace, ended up with way too much, so started selling. Don't sell too much, less than 10 cord a year. And now it's a sickness. I've learned most of what I know by trial and error and from spots like this. My question for the group is, has anyone tried classes through college extensions, online, etc on ecology related topics? I would love to be better at tree ID and general outdoors things. So far I'm just learning as I cut and come across new stuff. I've seen courses offered by a guy who does Learn Your Land, I think he is out of PA?
I would look into education offerings from your county extension service. Get on their email list and the email list of your surrounding counties.
Be a steady regular here and you'll learn a lot. I thought I was tree/wood smart when I joined six years ago and am still learning.
Yep, even runs a hydraulic splitter these days. Now if we can do something about his preferred brand of chainsaws.
But seriously buZZsaw BRAD is right hang out here and ask questions and you will learn a lot. County extension is a good idea also. Not sure I would spend $$$ for lessons from an “instructor” for hire
You can go ahead and look what local tree types are in your areas online. Then compare to what you have. When trees have leaves, it's way easier. I've learned most of what I know about trees and species from growing up a camper, a boy scout and an Eagle Scout, I was a biology major in college. As much as I know, I still learn things each day on FHC and out in the woods. You can't rush it. I bet you know a lot more than you did 7 years ago.
Make friends with an older fella that has been there done that. I have been blessed to have a few over my life and they have taught me so much. You can also learn a ton from this and other forums. I like FWHC because it a little more mellow and folks are eager to help and give advice without things devolving into a flame war. I will add that the best nuggets of information are going to come up in a thread that has nothing to do with that nugget.
CutSplitStack I wouldn’t pay for it go find a retired logger, forester etc buy him a coffee work for him for couple Saturday or visit an old timer and listen
If you own land the DNR should have a forester assigned to your area that will come out and walk your property with you. You can pick their brain on trees and whatever else you have on your mind. They can also give you some advice on free events, seminars, etc that are forestry related so you can learn even more. DNR Service Foresters | | Wisconsin DNR
I concur. I bought a used copy a few years ago and it’s a goldmine of information. Leaf Morphology, bark, fall color, flowers, species range, etc.
Interesting. I have been working a searchable tree / ID database specific to firewood, has turned out to be a bit of a rabbithole lol. Some good info here to checkout!
One of the field guides I used as a textbook in college was the Golden Field Guide Trees of North America. Pocket sized book that has a lot of info. Of course, the Harlow and Harrar's Textbook of Dendrology is kind of like the bible. I was lucky enough to have met Harlow when I was in school when he stopped in a couple of times on a lab on tree ID. My main dendro prof was Dr. Ketchledge, who's big study area was the Adirondack region of NY.
