2009 Tree Farm Tour brings county's natural beauty into focus for many
The 2009 Ohio Tree Farm Tour, held at the farm of Bob and Karen Hunter, who happen to be the recipients of the coveted 2009 Ohio Tree Farm of the Year award, was intended to be a form of education, with topics offered by knowledgeable presenters on trapping, growing trees and timber harvesting, pond and stream studies, wildlife management, seeding and a host of other seminars.Education was indeed a large part of the event, which took place on Saturday, Sept. 26. But perhaps even more impressive than the vast wealth of knowledge gleaned from the day was the awe-inspiring view patrons got of nature at its very best, whether it was in the wildlife contained among the tall grasses and winding streams, moss-covered rocks, age-old timber or the stirringly romantic cabin built from timber harvested during the 2003 ice storm.
"This is a place where people can come and find solitude," said Bob Hunter. "We love sharing our land with others, so that they can experience a part of nature that oftentimes escapes us."
That feeling of solitude and tranquility did not escape the 600-plus people who flocked to the farm despite heavy rains, which ran from a light drizzle to a deluge most of the day. In fact, the rain droplets cascading to the woodland floor only added to the authenticity of the experience.
"I absolutely love this," said Jane Jabs, of Ragersville, who has seen the farm before during a teacher's tour several years ago. "I think what I enjoy most about this is just getting out in nature, and seeing the big trees. It's been very interesting to watch them fell trees the safe way, and how they have horses pulling the logs. It's a very impressive place."
Dave Potts had been to the Hunter farm one year ago, on the heels of an invitation to come down for a turkey hunt scouting trip. His initial thoughts on the farm are the same as many who travel deep into God's Country to witness nature at its finest.
"To put it in simple terms, it was a jaw-dropping experience," said Potts, from Orrville. "I just could not believe how intensely beautiful this place was. My buddy kept ranting and raving about it, but until you actually see it yourself, you really have no idea how incredible it really is. I went home right away and told my wife and kids, 'you guys have got to go see this place. It's awesome.'"
Both tourists from out of town and folks from Holmes County took the opportunity to check out the farmstead and the woods of the 150-acre Hunter paradise. Out of the 650 people, nearly half were estimated to be Amish. But no matter where people hailed from, they all came away with their own unique take on what the farm represents to them personally.
"It's amazing what they have created here for this weekend," said Chris Sieverdes, of OSU Extension. "You could easily spend all day here, and not see it all. It's obvious that this didn't happen overnight. They put a lot of thought and planning into this, and it has paid off."
For those who have never witnessed the beauty of the rolling hills of Holmes County, the Hunter farm provided a perfect setting to give them a glimpse of what they can expect should they explore the confines of the county.
"What a great experience today," said Charles Fankerhouse, of Granville. "This is our first trip to Holmes County, and we couldn't be more thrilled with what we have seen here today. It is everything that nature should be. It's a slice of the world where nature seems to have been unaffected by the world around it. And the cabin is absolutely awesome. I think it would be many men's dream to be able to build something like that. We will be back to Holmes County again to explore what else we can find."