HHA Family Trees

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), approximately 70% of the commonwealth's forest land is privately owned. Harrisburg Hunters' and Anglers' (HHA) is proud to be part owner! According to HHA Articles of Incorporation By-Laws, it is the club's responsibility to conserve these natural resources and to become an ideal habitat for wildlife. To that end, the club property is peppered with a variety of young tree seedlings thanks to a very dedicated HHA member, Calvin Frederick. Calvin, an HHA member since 1996, bought, planted and waters a variety of trees on the property. Not only will these trees provide sound barriers, the varieties chosen help feed our resident turkey, deer, bear and other wildlife and create buffers to protect land around stream waters.

From the moment you enter HHA property, you might notice the green tree tubes on the bank to the right hand side of the road. Calvin had staked a claim on this slope and planted Pecan tree seedlings last Spring. Some members might also be familiar with the

"chestnut row" area beyond this point. According to Calvin, these Chestnut trees were planted back in the 1940's.

Directly behind the Black Powder woods walk are Persimmon tree seedlings. Green tubes represent last year's planting, and white tubes are this year's plantings. Little known fact: Very common throughout the state back in the 1930's-50's, many Persimmon trees were cut down to make golf clubs.

Twenty five Spruce trees were planted on the 100 yard range berm as a windbreak and sound barrier. Deeper in, on the Northern edge of the property near Beaver Creek, and on the bank behind the tactical range, are additional plantings of Spruce. Our resident turkeys like to roost in the wet area west of the rifle range, where poplar trees were planted to help feed them.

What makes Calvin so good at this is his intimate knowledge of horticulture and his surroundings, plus the precise genealogy of each species. He also pointed out several invasive plants on the property and stopped to investigate the Russian Olive and Wine Berry that the government brought over years ago.

Trees and tree tubes are purchased from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Musser Forests, and Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries. Future plantings include the introduction of Pawpaw trees, which produce the largest edible fruit native to North America. Opossums, foxes, squirrels, raccoons, and birds are all known to enjoy pawpaw fruit.

Weather obviously influences a tree's moisture needs. Last summer's drought was challenging, especially since Calvin fills gallon jugs and waters the trees when mother nature is not cooperating. He confirmed they were VERY thirsty last summer! Tree care offers other challenges such as deer damage and even a suspected bear, whose paw prints were all over one of the green Pecan tree tubes! Unfortunately there is a good percentage of trees that don't survive, but thanks to Calvin's contribution, our club property will continue to conserve these natural resources and become an ideal habitat for wildlife. All of these trees enhance the natural environment of our property and are not just good conservation practices, but will be Calvin's legacy for years to come.

When you plant a tree, you'll grow a friend, a friend you'll have for life! (Ilan Shamin)

There are countless and unmentioned tasks continuously happening in order to maintain our nearly 150 acre property. Volunteering offers vital support for your club. Even a few hours here or there is an integral part of our operations. If you wish to do something rewarding with your spare time, please consider making your services available to help promote sportsmanship and good fellowship among the membership of HHA. Help us do more for your club and volunteer today.