Recap of Last Year: 2026 Wisconsin Tree Farm Landowner Field Day

On a beautiful Saturday, August 1, 2026, we held our annual field day at the Grover Family Tree Farm in Underhill, Oconto County, Wisconsin.  Mike and Shelly Grover along with their children are last year’s Wisconsin Tree Farmers of the Year.

 

Once farmed for more than a century, the Grover Family Tree Farm is now the focus of the Grover family's long-term stewardship initiative, "100 for 100"—a commitment to reverse the impact of 100 years of agricultural farming with:

• 100 years of woodland, wildlife, and wetland management

• Promotion of healthy and regenerative forests for wildlife and family outdoor enjoyment

• Preparation and education of the next generations for stewardship of the property

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About 65 landowners, Tree Farm staff and speakers attended. Three tour stops and a wagon tour around the property were seen by all then we shared a delicious chicken lunch.  Attendees and several merchants contributed items for a silent auction that raised over $800 to help fund our Tree farm program in Wisconsin.  The tour stops included Wildflower and Native Grass Establishment led by Amy Schaefer from Pheasants Forever, Invasive Plant Control and Equipment led by Anthony Rynish of Rynish Forestry, and Wetlands Restoration led by Catie Haight and Keith Trudell from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Wagon Tour was led by Todd McCourt, of McCourt Forestry Services and a close friend of the family.  After lunch a group of folks went on an optional hike to see more of the tree farm along the beautiful Oconto River led by Mike Grover.

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The field day showcased many aspects of the Grover’s vision, including forest regeneration, wetland restoration, wildlife habitat development, invasive species management, Managed Forest Law practices, and the challenges of restoring a property shaped by more than 100 years of agricultural use. Attendees also saw how long-term planning, persistence, and hands-on stewardship continue to transform the Grover Family Tree Farm into a healthy, resilient ecosystem and a place for recreation.

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For more than 100 years, the land was actively farmed. Fields were cultivated, livestock grazed throughout much of the woodland, and a 12.5-acre gravel pit operated from approximately 1950 through 1997. Although productive as farmland, decades of agricultural use left behind degraded woodlands and wetlands, extensive invasive species, aging structures, miles of fencing, and significant restoration challenges.

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In 2015, Mike, Shelly, and their three children moved to the property. In 2017, Mike retired early to expedite his “100 for 100” vision, devoting his full-time efforts to restoring the property while preparing the next generation to carry that vision forward. The property was enrolled in the Managed Forest Law (MFL) program in 2002 and is ATFS (Tree Farm) and FSC certified, reflecting the family's long-standing commitment to sustainable forest management.

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Guided by his vision, Mike has led an extensive restoration effort across the property. With the support of family members and friends who have generously contributed their time and talents, over 100,000 trees have been planted. Beyond tree planting, they have restored three wetlands, established more than four acres of native wildflowers and grasses, developed wildlife food plots, and created or improved over eight miles of trails and roads. Additional efforts have included multiple MFL timber harvests, restoration of the former gravel pit, removal of obsolete farm buildings and miles of fencing, refurbishment of all remaining buildings, and continual management of invasive plants, undesirable tree species, tree diseases, and insects.

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Today, the Grover Family Tree Farm reflects nearly three decades of dedicated stewardship and continuous improvement. They have worked hard to restore the ecological health of the property while creating a place for family, wildlife, and future generations to enjoy. Their management philosophy centers on developing healthy, diverse forests, protecting wetlands, establishing native grasses and wildflowers, improving wildlife habitat, practicing sustainable forest management, and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Equally important is educating and preparing the next generation to continue caring for the land. By sharing both successes and challenges, the Grover family hopes their experiences will inspire others to actively care for Wisconsin's forests and natural resources.

 

Unfortunately, we were unable to video this year’s field day so we provided this recap and description and history of the Grover Family Tree Farm and their vision to help you understand and appreciate their commitment and dedication.

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Thank you to the following individuals and organizations who made this 2026 Annual Field Day a success!

• Mike and Shelly Grover

• Our presenters; Amy, Catie, Keith, Anthony, and Todd

• Wisconsin Tree Farm Committee

• SFI State Implementation Committee

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

• American Tree Farm System (ATFS)

• Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association (WWOA)

• Phoenix Falls Chapter of WWOA

• ​The Volunteers and Planning Committee