Les Barnes, a lifelong native of Jefferson County, has been managing the natural resources on his 80 acre tract of Land, located near Boyle, since its purchase in the 1980’s. In recognition of his efforts, Mr. Barnes was selected to receive the Kansas Bankers Association’s Wildlife Habitat Award, bestowed upon him at this year’s Jefferson County Conservation District Annual Meeting.


On Tuesday, February 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Mr. Barnes along with representatives from the Kansas Forest Service, Meadowlark Extension District, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, and Jefferson County Conservation District, will be on hand, at his property, to visit with landowners having interest in managing their natural resources or who may just be curious about options available. Since February is an ideal time to prune trees, David Bruton, District Forester for the Kansas Forest Service, will provide hands on pruning demonstrations throughout a small Bur oak plantation that Mr. Barnes established nearly 4 years ago. “Understanding how to properly prune trees is very important for maintaining tree health and can have a big impact on the economic value of forest products over time”, said Bruton, “Pruning allows folks the opportunity to have a positive and tangible impact on the future of their trees. When people prune, they touch the future”.


This opportunity is being offered as an “Open House” type event, free to the general public, with people encouraged to come and go, throughout the 2 hour period, as schedules allow. To get to property from the intersection of K-4 and K-16 (northeast of Valley Falls): travel east on K-16 for 4.2 miles to Marion Rd.; then travel south on Marion Rd. for 0.5 mile to gated entrance, west side of road.


The event will not be held if inclement weather is observed. If weather conditions are questionable, please contact the Meadowlark Extension District Office in Oskaloosa at: 785-863-2212 to determine event status.