Brayton Research Forest

Location

Delhi, Delaware County

Directions: From Hopkinton, go north on Highway 38, take the first gravel road left and go .2 mile and turn east past a building site. Go about half a mile to the end of the road. The farm begins at the end of the road and lies to the east.

Size

322 acres

Owner

Iowa State University

History

The research forest was donated to ISU in 1949 by Emma L. Brayton. The university purchased an additional 10 acres in 1951.

Agro-Climatic Zone

Northeast Iowa

Soils

The area has a complex glacial history. The terrain is marked by limestone outcroppings, steep side-slopes and narrow ridges. The forest is in the Fayette-Dubuque-Storyland soil association.

Research and Demonstrations

Researchers use the native forest to study and demonstrate a variety of topics of interest to woodland owners. Studies and demonstrations include walnut establishment and fertilization, production of firewood, undergrowth management, desirable species establishment and lumber and veneer wood production. Researchers also study and demonstrate methods for re-establishing oak trees.