Hansen Family Receives Stewardship Forest Award

Recently, Margaret and son, Joel Hansen were presented a “Nebraska Forest Stewardship Award” certificate and property sign in recognition for the tree planting projects they have done on the Hansen farm northwest of Wayne. This award is given by the Nebraska Forest Service to selected tree planters in the state that demonstrate good stewardship and above average commitment to tree planting and woodland management. Only two to three awards are given annually statewide.
Margaret (owner) and Joel (tenant) were nominated by Steve Rasmussen, NFS District Forester.

In the nomination for the award, Mr. Rasmussen cited the tree planting efforts by Joel that included a wildlife tree planting and living snowfence; a windbreak planting with the Wayne 5th Grade students this past spring and a six acre nut seed planting with over 15 different types of trees planted by seeds. The overall land ethic and stewardship commitment that has been followed on the farm makes the property a showcase for conservation. In addition to the tree plantings, Joel is establishing a diverse 30 acre native grass, forbs and wildflower prairie. Wayne State College has taken field trips to the property and Wayne Middle School has visited. The area has been titled, “Dog Town Creek Prairie and Arboretum”.

(Pictured: Gary Hergenrader, Nebraska State Forester presents the Stewardship Forest sign and certificate to Margaret and son, Joel Hansen.