A local Callawegian was recently chosen as the Missouri Tree Farmer of the Year and will host an annual Missouri conference.
Joe Davis is a fifth-generation Callawegian and is a professor of education at William Woods University. He is also the Fulton Public Schools Board of Education President.
The Missouri Tree Farmer of the Year program is organized by the Missouri Department of Conservation's Forestry Division and the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri.
Davis was chosen to receive this award through his commitment to sustainable management of his woodland's wood, water, wildlife and recreation, according to a press release.
Davis will host the 2022 Missouri Tree Farm Conference. Events will begin at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall on Friday, Oct. 7. On Oct. 8, events will take place at the Davis Tree Farm, an 80-acre property in Callaway County.
Several presentations will be given throughout the day, such as Davis speaking about living on a tree farm. Other presentations will revolve around invasive species control and timber sale. Those in attendance will also take a tour of Davis' tree farm.
To become a tree farm, the property must meet four criteria as outlined by the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri. The property must have at least 10 acres of trees or woods, have a written forest management plan, be protected and have completed some management activities.
The conference is $30 to attend, and registration can be completed on the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri's website.