Barking up the Right Tree: A tree identification saunter

Join us for an informational walk in the woods focused on identifying trees based on bark characteristics and tree form. Some trees may still even have the answer key (leaves!) attached. Discussion points will include ecology of where different trees grow, and products we obtain from our forests. Cost is a suggested free-will donation of $10/person.

Location: on-site at “Iowisota”, 2472 IA-26, Lansing, Iowa.

Program will be provided by Linda and Dennis Haugen.  Linda and Dennis Haugen both recently retired from careers as forest health specialists with the US Forest Service. Linda grew up on the Iowisota property, moving here with her parents in 1968. Dennis and Linda built the new residence/retreat center and moved back to northeast Iowa in 2023. They have a wealth of knowledge about natural resources in general, and about Iowisota woodlands specifically.   Trees are their thing.

How to sign up for the Tree Identification Saunter: Click the link to register/rsvp. You will be asked to fill out a registration form that will hold your spot. There is no mandatory fee. A free-will donation will be graciously accepted on the day of the event.

Make it an overnight “B&B” stay! We have up to 6 guest bedrooms available. This is a lovely time of year to spend more time in the forests of the Driftless Area.

·        Starting at $75/room/night. Two-bedroom suite or use of cabin is $150/night. 25% discount for additional nights. Lodging taxes will be added.

·        Breakfasts are included. There are multiple options for other meals you might need, including BYO to warm in the full kitchen, BYO to grill on-site, or go out to local restaurants. There is a refrigerator available, and all cooking equipment and essentials.

·        The "gathering room" and a full kitchen are common spaces for all guests (plus there is a kitchenette and small living room in the cabin).

·        More about the rooms… Look at the accommodations tab on the website to see the spaces. There are 4 guest bedrooms and 2 guest bathrooms in the main house, plus 2 bedrooms and a bathroom in the cabin.

·        To reserve a space, fill out the Booking Request Form at https://forms.wix.com/r/7166520443166261937, Then we will communicate via email to find out your specific needs before we send an invoice.

·        The setting of Iowisota includes nearly 200 acres of private forest and many trails to hike and explore. The sleeping rooms are a delightful blend of historic, rustic, and modern. The “gathering room” with its stone fireplace, expansive windows, and comfortable seating provides a place to hang out and chat with the hosts and other guests.