Management plan update for East Becker

By Caroline Rosacker

In October 1988, philanthropists Irene and Oakland Becker bequeathed two parcels of land, Becker east and west in Millville Township to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF). A Life Estate on this property was arranged with INHF and reads: “Said property to be used for demonstration of conservation practices, enhancement of wildlife habitat and public recreational use and benefit, after the termination of the life estates.”

The Becker east and west properties consist of a total of 373 acres, and were donated to Clayton County Conservation in 2012. Currently the Clayton County Conservation Board manages the land parcels and is in the process of improving biodiversity and ecological function of the rich woodlands, grasslands and riparian corridor

East Becker Property Management Plan

An east Becker wildlife field day was held on May 28. Kenny Slocum, Conservation Board member and Resource Manager/Naturalist, led the walking tour and gave an update on Clayton County Conservation’s management plan. The area, located north of the Great River Road along the Turkey River, includes timber, grassland areas and a vacated pond. Slocum guided attendees along the rugged trail on the east Becker parcel. "Our main objectives is to manage the area and restore wildlife and grassland plantings for wildlife enhancement and timber production," explained Slocum. "It is in the long-term plans to perhaps put in a formal trail to encourage more visitors to the site." 

An oak savanna was present on the property many years ago. "We are in the process of removing the timber's underbrush, fallen trees and undesirable trees in an effort to restore the original oak savanna," said Slocum. "Removing the unwanted vegetation will promote regeneration as well as promote new seedlings in areas that had lower numbers present."

The group was led up a steep path to the property's prairie as Slocum pointed out challenges along the way. "The woodland floor is full of maple saplings and other trees that grow well in the shade," he commented. These tree will eventually choke out the remaining, standing red oak unless we manage them correctly." 

The removal of trees can be a catch-22 for the dedicated conservationist. "It is difficult for me to understand, as a nature lover, the removal of trees," Slocum shared. "But I understand it is necessary for our restoration project. We used a feller buncher to remove small and medium-sized trees that had begun to take over the prairie." 

Prescribed burns and herbicide application were also used to remove unwanted plant species and encourage pollinator growth. "We have burned the area several times and used selective herbicides to encourage plant diversity," he pointed out. "Pollinators plants are very important to agriculture as well as our food chain and ecosystems. These habitats can also prevent soil erosion and improve biodiversity." 

Clayton County Conservation members and volunteers have reseeded the area using two different methods. "We used a drill seeding method that involved a native grass drill designed to implant tiny seeds into the ground at the proper depth for germination. We also broadcast seeds by hand." 

Slocum and other hikers kept their eyes to the ground in an effort to spot small shoots sprouting up in a row that the drill seeder had planted. "I can see some native plant diversity starting to take root, which is very encouraging," he commented. "I would like to see this hidden gem eventually used as a familiar outdoor recreation area, which would have a direct impact on the local economy." 

Upcoming West Becker Wildlife Area Field Day 

Clayton County Conservation will hold a field day touring the West Becker property on Friday, June 25, at 5 p.m. Participants will explore the ongoing habitat projects at the West Becker Wildlife Area. This property features a prairie reconstruction, conservation hay field, and a savanna restoration underway in the adjacent timber. 

The primitive wildlife area has no bathrooms or water on site, so plan accordingly. Participants should come prepared for roughly a two-mile hike.

Please register for the event at www.claytoncountyconservation.org. The West Becker property is located approximately one mile west of Millville on Millville Road. Parking area is signed. For more information, call 563-245-1516.