The Great Plains Society of American Foresters visited Atchison last week for their Fall meeting. After visiting the American Walnut Company in St. Joseph, the Hewins Sawmill in Wathena, and the Botts Tree Farm in Atchison, the 16 Kansas and Nebraska foresters culminated their two-day visit to the area with a visit to the International Forest of Friendship. Forest Board members Diane Liebsch and Kristen Carrigan shared the history of the Forest, including the important role of the Kansas Forest Service in the early days of planning and planting trees. In recent months, the Forest Service has renewed its relationship with the International Forest of Friendship. Blaine Stroble has been appointed consultant to the Forest’s Board of Directors. This past year, Aaron Yoder, nursery manager for the Kansas Forest Service, planted the seeds from seed pods gathered from the Moon Tree, an American Sycamore, at the Forest of Friendship. His work resulted in 35 saplings being distributed to honorees and guests at the Forest’s annual celebration on September 13. The visiting Foresters left a parting gift for the Forest of Friendship - the planting of a new Bur Oak Tree in the northwest corner of the Forest.
