Wisconsin's fall colors are amazing, and Devil's Lake State Park is one of the best…
Yesterday, I visited with workers who were planting a mix of oak and other native trees on a section of parkland that was once used out for agriculture.
From Farmland To Forest
Not that long ago many acres of Devil’s Lake State Park’s property, especially along Hwy 113 on the eastern edge of the park were being leased out for agriculture. This of course brought badly needed money into the park system. At the same time, a park is a park and the land is intended to be natural, and enjoyed by everyone. So over the last few years, many former farm fields within the park have been replanted as either oak stands or prairies. And to be realistic, there’s money in hardwoods too, so we’d expect to see these thick oak plantings thinned out in the future.
Beyond Economic Value
Of course, there’s more than just economic value in planting trees. As we know, trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide, removing and storing the carbon and releasing oxygen back into the air. It’s estimated that one tree can absorb nearly 10 pounds of polluted air each year and release 260 pounds of oxygen! Trees also hold moisture and slow erosion. They also provide homes for birds and other wildlife. So it’s always a good idea to plant trees.
What’s more, this particular planting will one day become a thicker barrier between the highway and the park’s Uplands Trail. Future trail users will experience a quieter, more enjoyable hike year-round!
Why So Many Trees?
O.K., but why over 15,000 trees in such a small space? Well, not all of the trees will grow. Some will die nearly as soon as they are planted. Others will never make it past the first winter. Even more will die off in the first few years of life. Oh, and here in the Devil’s Lake region, we’ve got deer. Lots of deer who love munching away at fresh new trees!! So while 15,500 seems like overkill, it guarantees that we will have a healthy, full forest in the future.
Did you know?
The record for planting the most trees in a single day by one person is 15,170. In 2001 a Canadian, Ken Chaplin, planted 15,170 red pine seedlings in one day near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Quotable
Thank you guys for your work to improve Devil’s Lake State Park AND for taking a moment to talk with me. I really do appreciate it! The best quote of the day was, “I spend so much time killing invasives (plants), that it’s nice to be out planting new trees!”
I’m sure it is. 🙂
More Photos
A freshly planted tree. 
New trees have to be separated. 
Planting from a moving tractor! 
The field to be planted along Hwy 113.
References & More To Read
- Why Plant Trees? – OneTreePlanted.org
- 9 Reasons To Plant A Tree – Arbor Day Foundation
- Most Trees Ever Planted? – Guinness World Records
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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