Tioga County's abundant forest cover provides fuel, timber and other resources to property owners.

Maple trees with taps and buckets for collecting sap, to be made into maple syrup, at Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, North Java, NY.

Image by Dave Pape

Maple syrup is a time-consuming, but very rewarding activity.

Shiitake mushrooms on display at an NYC farmers' market

Image by Sandy Repp

Mushroom cultivation is a great way to maximize your forest's potential.

Image by Kenneth E. Gibson, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Harvesting timber from a forest

Natural Resources

Tioga County has many natural resources: abundant forest cover, clean water, and open fields, to name a few. If you have a woodland, you may wish to maximize the resources in the woodland for your benefit. This may include emerging agroforestry systems such as mushroom production, grazing, maple syrup production, firewood, or habitat for deer and other game. If you have a pond, you may wish to stock it with game fish like bass or bluegills for recreational fishing and food production. Or you may wish to maximize the wildlife on your property for enjoyment or for hunting.

This website has links to valuable information on how to manage your land. There are several state and local organizations that can help you plan for your properties' management--and many are low or no cost!

Agroforestry

Learn how to better utilize the natural resources in your local forests and community with our agroforestry page

Storing Firewood

Unlike most fuels, firewood can be stored indefinitely, safely and without degrading. Learn correct storage techniques here.

Firewood From Your Forest

You can utilize your woodlot effectively by producing firewood for others as a source of income

Woodlot Management

Visit our section of pages on Woodlot Management for resources that can help you make your woods healthier and more productive.

Invasive Plants

Many plants that are now considered invasive started out as popular garden ornamentals. Learn more about what plants to avoid in your garden.

man using a chain saw, wearing protective pants.

Chainsaw Safety

Find resources to help you choose a chainsaw that's right for you, and guidelines for using it safely and effectively, here on our Chainsaw Safety page.

Last updated June 25, 2018