Traxler Tree Farm is a value-added experience for visitors
From information submitted by Phil Traxler and Laurie Yanoshek
Phil Traxler moved to Lewis County in 1980 and bought a 350-acre farm that had been heavily logged. He pitched a tent and started building a house out of reclaimed material, because he wasn’t sure how long he would stay. That was 41 years ago.
In 1981 he started and received his first forest management plan.
From then till 1988 Phil built a dry kiln and started drying wood. We only take trees that are in decline, have them sawn, dry the lumber in our dry kiln and sell the wood and make a wide variety of projects - doors, woodwork, cabinets, and historical reproductions.
From 1989 – 1993 Phil planted over 3800 trees, mixed pine and white oak. Working with the Forestry Dept., we did 9 acres intermediate harvest and a 3-acre clear-cut. We started hosting demonstrations for the KDF. In 1997 we received our Forest Stewardship certificate.
In 2000 Traxler Farm was put in a trust for the family and future generations to carry on with the caring of the forest. We now have an Airbnb on the property to help fund the family trust. Sidebar: https://www.facebook.com/creeksidecottagesky/
The handicap accessible cottage is for all to enjoy. We like to say we’re sharing our “little slice of paradise.” Plus educating our guests on how we improve the land. The Airbnb Cottage has a walking trail with the different tree species marked. Plus, we have other trails on the property. Since then, we have hosted several field days and held classes on mushroom logs and woodworking for kids and adults.
We have competed 157 acres of Timber Stand Improvement mid-story, cull trees and crop tree release. We do all the TSI ourselves. There is no better way to get to know your forest than doing TSI. You get to see your land and improve the forest for future generations. In 2020 we started working with the USDA and now have pollinator patches, bees, invasive species removal and a clear cut to help bring back the Ruffed Grouse.
Phil Traxler moved to Lewis County in 1980 and bought a 350-acre farm that had been heavily logged. He pitched a tent and started building a house out of reclaimed material, because he wasn’t sure how long he would stay. That was 41 years ago.
In 1981 he started and received his first forest management plan.
From then till 1988 Phil built a dry kiln and started drying wood. We only take trees that are in decline, have them sawn, dry the lumber in our dry kiln and sell the wood and make a wide variety of projects - doors, woodwork, cabinets, and historical reproductions.
From 1989 – 1993 Phil planted over 3800 trees, mixed pine and white oak. Working with the Forestry Dept., we did 9 acres intermediate harvest and a 3-acre clear-cut. We started hosting demonstrations for the KDF. In 1997 we received our Forest Stewardship certificate.
In 2000 Traxler Farm was put in a trust for the family and future generations to carry on with the caring of the forest. We now have an Airbnb on the property to help fund the family trust. Sidebar: https://www.facebook.com/creeksidecottagesky/
The handicap accessible cottage is for all to enjoy. We like to say we’re sharing our “little slice of paradise.” Plus educating our guests on how we improve the land. The Airbnb Cottage has a walking trail with the different tree species marked. Plus, we have other trails on the property. Since then, we have hosted several field days and held classes on mushroom logs and woodworking for kids and adults.
We have competed 157 acres of Timber Stand Improvement mid-story, cull trees and crop tree release. We do all the TSI ourselves. There is no better way to get to know your forest than doing TSI. You get to see your land and improve the forest for future generations. In 2020 we started working with the USDA and now have pollinator patches, bees, invasive species removal and a clear cut to help bring back the Ruffed Grouse.
Traxler Tree Farm was recognized by the Kentucky Forest Industries Association with the 2021 Tree Farmer of The Year Award.
Phil and Laurie are hosting a field day at the farm and woodworking shop on October 4.
Phil and Laurie are hosting a field day at the farm and woodworking shop on October 4.