BLAZE Magazine Special Edition 2006-2016 | Page 25

approximately 700 acres of longleaf with additional acres
planned for the future. Charles tries to burn a portion of
the property every year, usually operating on a three-year
burn cycle. He employs the services of a registered forester
consultant. However, oldest son, William, is a certified
prescribed burn manager and together they conduct much
of the prescribed burning themselves.
As with all forest landowners in Alabama, there are
challenges for the Holmes family. They battle privet and
kudzu. They have also identified and chemical-sprayed
several cogon grass spots. In the ongoing war with feral
hogs, Charles installed seven hog traps across the property
with Environmental Qualities Incentives Program (EQIP)
assistance through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS).
In addition to timber, the Holmestead Company also operates
a cattle business where they raise purebred horned Hereford and Brahman
cross cow calf stock. Grazing pasture-land comprises the remaining
2,000 acres of the property. The all-natural beef they sell is grass-fed and
“Holmesgrown” deep in the rich soil of Alabama’s Black Belt.
Wildlife is the secondary TREASURE Forest objective of the farm, both for
watching and harvesting. Charles’s sons started hunting with their dad at a
young age, and now the five grandchildren are being raised to appreciate
wildlife as well. Additionally, the plantation now offers hunting and fishing
packages, along with a relaxing stay at the “Folsom Inn” Bed & Breakfast.
Deer and turkey abound, along with rabbits, squirrels, quail, doves,
ducks, and don’t forget the wild pigs! Wildlife openings and food plots
are maintained, plus several areas of native warm season grasses such as
Alamo switchgrass and Eastern gamagrass. Habitat for the diverse wildlife
is also supported by two creeks, as well as a 107-acre watershed lake where
21 bald eagles are nesting.
Education is another guiding principle at the Moore-Webb-Holmes
Plantation, as Charles is always excited to introduce youth to the benefits
of forestry and agriculture, as well as the importance of the environment
and water quality. The property provides numerous conservation and pres-
ervation teaching opportunities, and is open by appointment to school
groups, organizations, and individuals. Over the past few years, the Holmes
TREASURE Forest has hosted several educational programs, including
an annual “Classroom in the Forest” field day for all the fifth graders in
Perry County (approximately 160 students). With the assistance of several
different partnering natural resource agencies, they usually set up seven
stations. Topics include: Flag a Tree, Oh Deer, Soil Profile, Soil Runoff,
Skins and Skulls, Wildfire Protection, and the Cahaba River.
Perhaps the most successful event occurs almost every year on the first
Saturday in October when the plantation comes alive . . . there is music in
the air, hay rides, a corn maze, and pumpkins to pick from the field. “Fall
in Folsom” provides a day of history, entertainment, and excitement for
the whole family in a hands-on, demonstration-type teaching environment.
This event is open to the public and promotes involvement of children
and adults alike. All the original historical buildings are accessible in a
museum atmosphere. Once again, all the partnering agencies (including
the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Alabama Cooperative Extension
System, the Alabama Wildlife Federation, and the Natural Resources
Conservation Service) set up educational booths that provide an array of
FUN teaching programs.
In 2008, the National Wild Turkey Federation’s “In the Game” show
was video-taped on the Holmes property, where Charles emphasized
Conservation Districts working with partners. Then in 2010, he invited
Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org
SPECIAL EDITION 2006-2016 |
| 25