Western Virginia landowners can learn more about actively managing their forestlands during the annual Beginning Forest Landowners’ Retreat, to be held August 17-19 at Southwest Virginia 4-H Center in Abingdon. Topics will include forest stewardship planning, hardwood management, timber sales, wildlife management, tree identification and more. A tour of Channels State Forest and nearby properties will showcase forest management in action.
Sponsoring partners for the retreat are Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program.
“This program provides a great introduction to forest management issues, especially for those new to land ownership,” said Ellen Powell of the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Jennifer Gagnon of Virginia Tech’s Forest Landowner Education Program said, “We use a combination of classroom and field sessions, taught by experts, to fully engage participants in learning. The weekend retreat format also enables people to share their experiences with other landowners.”
Full retreat registration, including materials, meals and Friday and Saturday lodging, is $95 per person or $170 per couple. For those who live nearby, a commuter option – with materials and meals only – is $55 per person or $90 per couple.
To register online or download a mail-in brochure, visit www.forestupdate.frec.vt.edu. The deadline to register is August 3. For more information, contact Jennifer Gagnon at 540-231-6391 or [email protected].
Persons with disabilities who desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity may also contact Jennifer during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations, no later than August 3. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.