The L.W Schatz Demonstration Tree Farm started off as a generous donation to Humboldt State University from L. W Schatz on Novermber 12, 1987. This was the largest gift in the school's history. The farm is administered by the HSU Forestry Department, and serves as a field experiment station for forestry researches, an outdoor classroom for educators, and a demonstration area for forestry extension
Tree Farming:
Experimentation and research concerning all aspects of tree growing, harvesting, and
replacement is one of the major purposes of the Tree Farm. Hardwood research is especially encouraged. The L. W. Schatz Demonstration Tree Farm is certified
by the American Tree Farm System.
Public Outreach:
Another priority of the Tree Farm is to encourage productive forest management on small
privately-owned timberland by providing on site examples and educational outreach programs. Professional and community tours, meetings, seminars, conferences,
and inrmal get-togethers are sponsered regularly by the Farm in order to deseminate information and query future research needs. In addition, the Tree Farm serves
as a base for community service functions such as Scouting projects.
Student Education:
Humboldt State University classes also take advantage of the "hands on" learning possibilities
available at the Tree Farm in the form of field trips and special projects. In turn, many of the classes benefit from the Tree Farm. Graduate research
opportunities abound and funding is sometimes available for specific projects.
Hardwood Utilization:
In addition to tree cultivation, the Tree Farm is dedicated to promoting the economic
developement of non-industrial tree farming and the utilization of native California hardwoods. The Tree Farm is actively involved in demonstrating various
creative uses for California hardwoods.
Forest Stewardship:
The L. W. Schatz Demonstration Tree Farm was one of the first to recieve a forest stewardship
grant from the California Forest Incentive Program. Administered in California through the California Department of Forestry, the Forest Stewardship Assistance
Act of 1989 is a cost sharing federal program designed to encourage the environmental enhancement of non-industrial forestlands. The Tree Farm is using the grant
to demonstrate the integration of forest management practices with wildlife habitat enhancement and natural area aesthetics around riparian areas at two ponds.
