Galax, Hillsville, Carroll County, Grayson County Virginia, VA Events, Festivals

Mr. Ian Snider calls himself a Biological Woodsman. He makes his living by
advising hardwood forest landowners how to manage their assets in an
economically sound way that also preserves an ecological balance and the
esthetic of a healthy woods. It may sound counter-intuitive at first to hear
the philosophy of taking only diseased, unhealthy and less desirable trees
first. But Ian calls this practice "restorative forestry management" and can
show you how this practice rapidly increases the value of the most desirable
trees in the forest, thereby increasing profits with a bit of patience.
Furthermore, the extracted logs yield the woodsmen and their local sawmill
partners excellent character grade lumber perfect for flooring, paneling,
and trim.

Mr. Snider is a graduate of Healing Harvest Forest Foundation, a well
respected nearby institution operated by community volunteers and based in
Copper Hill, VA. Founded by Jason Rutledge, The Healing Harvest Forest
Foundation's methods have been reported as a viable hedge against inflation
and compared with stock portfolios as an investment strategy in a lengthy
article about alternative assets in Forbes magazine.

We've saved the best for last. Ian logs selected trees with Draft horses.
It's a gentle method of logging that is more valuable to this region than
for the nostalgia. That's why Ian and a few friends will be a major presence
at the next Matthews Living History Farm Museum Heritage event, July 13th,
beginning at 10:00 am.    He and his friends will come early and cut hay in
the fields with their horses and rake the hay into neat rows, displaying
their teams' agility and control. A hay wagon will be brought into the
paddock for attending youth to build the haystack around the sturdy, peeled
pole. Later in the afternoon, around 2:00pm, Ian will present a program
explaining his forestland practices, including the common sense, natural
tree selection methodology promoted by the Healing Harvest Forest
Foundation.

Mark your calendars for this not to be missed event.  We invite you to come
enjoy the day and listen to Ian's fascinating presentation in the new
Pavilion.  Admission is free of charge.

For more information you may call Sandy Troth at 276-744-3352 or visit the
website at www.matthewsfarmmuseum.org.    The museum is located at 476 White
Pine Road between Independence and Galax.  From 58 turn south on to Meadow
Creek Road, turn right on to White Pine Road and museum is a short distance
on the right.