Robert Shives from Maryland
What makes them outstanding?
Robert and his family share a boundless passion for tree farming and natural resources conservation. Thirty-two years since his father, Preston Shives, was first named Maryland Tree Farmer of the Year, Robert continues a legacy of being a steward of his family Tree Farm. Through hard work and vision, that started in 1971 as a bus driver took over a forest and working farm has been transformed through the years into a shining example of natural resources conservation. The Shives' drive and work ethic, devotion to learning, and commitment to educating others is truly inspiring. Robert is also one of the most genuine and nicest folks you will ever meet. Talking with, or visiting with Robert on the family Tree Farm is always time well spent. It has been my sincere honor to have been able to work with him in my time as his service Forester. Robert Shives is the epitome of Tree Farm and is truly deserving of being awarded 2016 Northeastern Regional Tree Farmer of the Year.
Tree Farmer Story
Robert Shives and his family inherited their 210 acre farm in 1990 after Robert’s father, Mr. Preston Shives, the 1984 Maryland Outstanding Tree Farmer, became ill. Robert’s father was an avid Tree Farmer, a former Project Forester’s description of the late Mr. Shives, “it was obvious that Mr. Shives’ often difficult struggle to earn a living from the land and protect it have shaped him as much as he has shaped the land.” He added that Preston once said, “I guess I have just got it (tree farming) in my blood.” This was most certainly true, and after Preston took ill, Robert took over the farm and began to apply all the lessons he had learned working with his father while balancing the constraints placed upon an absentee forest landowner. In my conversations with Robert,he has mentioned some of the lessons he learned from his father while growing up on the farm, and it is clear tree farming is in his blood, as well.
Through the 1990s, Robert and his family were forced to move to Germany for work with the Department of Defense, and while away the Shives’ allowed friends and neighbors to pasture and hay the open field areas of the farm. In return, these folks helped Robert tend the Christmas tree plantation, and look after the property. Despite this distance, Robert continued to care for the Tree Farm back on Sideling Hill, and when possible, he attended forestry events to learn more about caring for his land. When Robert was able to retire,he focused his attention back to the land, Tree Farming, serving on the Board of the Maryland Forests Association, and as the Treasurer of the Washington County Forest Conservancy Board.In 1991, Robert planted 10 acres of Christmas trees, and concluded a 26 acre hardwood thinning, and 6 acre pine thinning. In 1996, Robert and neighbors thinned 26 acres of hardwoods as part of a TSI that generated firewood. Loblolly X Pitch Pinestands were pruned, a practice that continued for several years. In 2007 and 2008, Robert participated in a County-wide gypsy moth spraying program to protect his trees from defoliation. Further Christmas tree plantings, wildlife habitat work, crop tree release, and other management efforts continued in the 2000s. In 2015, Robert and his family had their Forest Stewardship Plan updated to stay current with the Tree Farm Standards of Sustainability. Robert made it clear he intends to pass this family farm on to his children and remaining family members. Food plot establishment, rotational field mowing, Christmas tree shearing, firewood cutting, and keeping the network of roads and trails open keeps Robert, his family, and their neighbors busy on the Tree Farm.
Robert continues to stay active on the Washington County Forestry Board, and demonstrates a commitment to natural resources education and outreach. He has established a sponsorship for Maryland's Natural Resources Career Camp, a week long camp emphasizing careers in natural resources for high school students. He continues to learn more about natural resources conservation and management, continuing and expanding upon the lessons of his father. Robert and his family are truly deserving of being awarded 2016 Northeast Regional Tree Farmer of the Year.
Wood
Robert and his family manage 210 acres, nearly all of it in timber. The historic focus on the property has been thinning to remove undesirable growing stock, providing more desirable trees growing space to enhance future value. In 1991, Robert planted 10 acres of Christmas trees, and concluded a 26 acre hardwood thinning, and 6 acre pine thinning. In 1996, Robert and neighbors thinned 26 acres of hardwoods as part of a TSI that generated firewood. Loblolly X Pitch Pine stands were pruned, a practice that continued for several years. In 2007 and 2008, Robert participated in a County-wide gypsy moth spraying program to protect his trees from defoliation. Further Christmas tree plantings, wildlife habitat work, crop tree release, and other management efforts continued in the 2000s. In 2015, Robert and his family had their Forest Stewardship Plan updated to stay current with the Tree Farm Standards of Sustainability. In 2016, he met with his family to discuss future management of the property to include sustainable timber harvests which will capture the value added from previous management activities; in addition to outlining the legacy and estate planning for his heirs to continue the tradition of exceptional stewardship.
Water
Water resources on the farm include numerous ephemeral streams and seeps, which join Munson Spring Branch. This stream eventually joins Little Tonoloway Creek, which flows into the Potomac River. Mr. Shives has maintained an excellent network of roads and trails on the property, these roads have been designed and installed to reduce erosion and sedimentation from management activities on the property. Mr. Shives' neighbor routinely grades these roads to keep them in good shape. In return, he is allowed to pasture his horses on the open fields on the farm. A bridge was placed over Munson Spring Branch, and has aided in access and management of the northernmost portion of the farm. This bridge also prevents unneeded fording of the stream, and any sedimentation issues that arise from maintaining a firm bottom ford.
Wildlife
All management activities on the farm are done with wildlife in mind. Den trees are protected from firewood harvests, food plots are kept open for deer and turkey, fallow fields are rotationally mowed or allowed to grow into early successional habitat for upland wildlife. Timber harvests are planned for the current management cycle that will create a spectrum of age and size classes. Several harvests are planned that will attract Golden Winged Warblers to the property, along with woodcock and grouse for enhanced hunting opportunities. Robert has happily helped relatives, neighbors, and friends find their "first buck," and is proud of the numerous "giants," that show up on game cameras on his farm. Bluebird nest boxes have been installed to encourage sightings of this songbird.
Recreation
Recreational activities include hunting, wildlife photography, bird watching, hiking, and joy rides along the network of forest roads for those who are no longer able to walk. An old path is kept open that Robert's grandmother used to get to a neighboring church for Sunday services. The well maintained road network provides excellent year round access, and the bridge and tunnel afford access to the entire property; a fact that Robert is very proud of given the addition of I-68 several decades ago. Openings are maintained around several deer stands for hunting and photography. Hunters and neighbors provide a great source of labor for various farm projects. The interface of field and forest along a prominent north-south migration route for avian wildlife provides excellent bird watching opportunity.
