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Your weekly woodland news and ideas from the
National Woodland Owners Association.

April 13, 2022 Vol. 10 No. 15
Woodland knowledge, inspiration and humor
How To:
How to Build a Wood Duck Nesting Box
These colorful ducks of forested wetlands were over-harvested for food and feathers throughout the nineteenth century. The Wood Duck’s steep decline was hastened by the draining of wetlands for development and harvesting of mature timber. Although this species is still hunted, bird-protection laws, hunting restrictions, and the use of nest boxes have helped it rebound.

In the 1980s, the late Don Helmeke, a Minnesota outdoorsman and conservationist, worked long and thoughtfully on Wood Duck nest box plans. His design has withstood the test of time. Its success at creating a “safe haven” for nesting birds led to its recommendation by both the Minnesota Waterfowl Association and the Wood Duck Society. “It’s a woodworking design that makes sense,” says Wood Duck Society director Roger Strand. “The low height—just 6 feet from the ground—and Don’s side opening makes for easy, ladder-free nest checking and less disturbance to the hen.” Another bonus: “Kids can get nose-to-nose with eggs, which creates a fun learning experience.”
Wednesday Wildlife:
When do Animals Come Out of Hibernation?
For animals that hibernate, making it to spring is no small feat. By the time they emerge, hibernating animals are often sleep-deprived: Most expend huge bursts of energy to arouse themselves occasionally in the winter so their body temperatures don’t dip too low.

Hibernation can last anywhere from a period of days to weeks to even months, depending on the species. Some animals, like groundhogs, hibernate for as long as 150 days, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

Though there’s no pinpointing the day hibernation ends, the timing in which wildlife emerge from their sleep can be predicted to an extent. Most animals stop hibernating during the spring because that’s when the days get longer and temperatures rise, meaning more food sources are available.
Tree Talk:
Oldest Tree In Missouri Is a Beautiful Piece Of Living History
​Breathtaking natural scenes are a given in Missouri. We might not even fully appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. After all, we’re so used to seeing it all of the time. When you visit the oldest living tree in Missouri, however, you’ll probably be struck by its sheer size, beauty, and how much it has seen and endured over the centuries. A visit is more than worthy of a spot on your bucket list.

Experience a rare piece of Missouri's natural history when you visit the McBaine Bur Oak Tree, a majestic tree that's estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old.
Who we are...
The National Woodland Owners Association is an IRS 501(c)(3), publicly supported non-profit organization established to conduct charitable, educational, research and scientific programs aimed at the responsible use and conservation of renewable resources. The mission of the National Woodland Owners Association is to use unbiased, research-based, objective and factual information to inform, educate and advocate for woodland owners, forest managers, natural resource agencies, media professionals, cooperating organizations, the general public, and policy makers to ensure a sustainable managed forest resource in the United States. Achieving together what we could not do alone.