Forest Management at Gilmont

Approximately 1/3 of the 405 acre property has been used for the camp facilities and concentrated programming and the remaining 2/3, forest lands have been managed in varying degrees over time. ​All friends of Gilmont appreciate the gift of God's beautiful creation and share a desire for healthy forests.  The current Board of Directors has engaged a consulting forester to guide harvest and restoration goals in a more intentional way. As part of this effort, some areas are being thinned, some diseased areas have been total harvested, and some manicured areas are being converted from lawn to forest.  

Thankfully, Gilmont has been selected for partnership in its hardwood forest restoration efforts.  The Apache Tree Grant Program has provided seedlings, and the Hardwood Forestry Fund has selected Gilmont for a reimbursable grant for planting, care and education associated with the forest lands.  In winter of 2016, a variety of Oaks, including: Water, White, Shumard, and Southern Red, have been planted.  Planting areas included, a section of 10 acres on the hill behind the cabins that was total-harvested following drought and ensuing disease. Programming areas around the main part of the camp where several acres are being converted from manicured lawn to forest. And, an area just South of Lake Kilgore where mature trees have died.

Watch for updates on this page as we do more work in the weeks and months ahead.

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Partnering​

Trees purchased by Apache Tree Grant Program, arrive from nurseries in bags, ready for sorting and planting.

Converting

Acres of formerly manicured landscape are being converted to forest and native grasses.

​Planting

During the winter of 2016, trees were planted in partnership with the Hardwood Forestry Fund.