Elk Creek Ranch Tour - July 9, 2011, 11:30 am

You are invited join us for a small woodlands tour of Elk Creek Ranch located southeast of Brookings. This small woodlands property has been in the Grover family for 59 years.

During the tour you'll have a chance to see areas of natural reproduction on former pasture land, areas of 5 - 7 year old trees planted after three clear cut operations, old growth and second growth redwood, and clear cuts from the 1940's which have been partially commercially thinned. Among the options are viewing the old growth redwood, a tour of the plantation with attention to bear and elk damage, some study of the natural reproduction with a discussion about precommercial thinning, and viewing wildlife habitat.

Please arrive around 11:30 am and join us for a barbeque lunch. If you have a folding chair, bring it with you. Following lunch, we'll tour various parts of the property and discuss past, current and future management plans.

Plan on spending about 3-4 hours and wear shoes suitable for walking in the woods. Bring your swimsuit if it is a warm day - the Winchuck never gets very warm but it is a refreshing swim.

Please let us know if you can come so we can plan lunch.

RSVP to: Cilde Grover (541) 412-8388 / cilde@nwtec.com

Driving directions: Hwy 101 South, 7 miles past Brookings, turn left on Winchuck River Rd. There is a sign and left turn lane. If you go over the Winchuck River Bridge or go into California, you've gone too far. Take Winchuck River Road for about 7.5 miles. There will be signs directing you to the house. Address is 01521 Winchuck River Rd.

For those planning to come from Coos County, car pooling will be available. If you want to participate in a car pool as a driver to rider, please contact Tristan Huff at OSU extension (Tristan.Huff@oregonstate.edu or 541-572-5263 ext. 294).

Looking forward to seeing you there!