Online course and conference offered to Virginia forest landowners
Virginia forest landowners looking to gain an understanding of how to keep their woods healthy and productive can do so in the comfort of their own home.
Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment are offering an online course to help private landowners become better stewards of their land.
The 12-week Online Woodland Options for Landowners course, which runs from March 2 to May 23, teaches basic management principles and techniques for both novice and veteran private forest landowners.
Materials provided include four reference books and a tree identification CD in addition to online reading materials and assignments. Natural resource professionals and experienced landowners serve as mentors for the students and help with questions via the course Group Discussion Board.
“Interest in this course, now in its 12th year, continues to grow,” said Jennifer Gagnon, coordinator of the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program. “Participants love the convenience of an online course and appreciate the opportunity to connect with experts as well as experienced landowners.”
Participants may attend an optional field trip at the conclusion of the course, which allows them to hone their new skills and interact with one another and with natural resource professionals. Those participants who complete all of the optional advanced assignments can finish the course with a draft forest management plan.
The registration fee is $45 per family. Participants must have access to a computer with a Web browser and an email account; access to a printer is strongly recommended.
- Register for the course online.
- Find more detailed information, including computer requirements and the complete syllabus, on the course website.
- For additional information, email Jennifer Gagnon or call 540-231-6391.
Forest landowners are also invited to attend this year’s Woods and Wildlife Conference on March 14 to learn how to maximize their property’s potential.
Co-sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Forestry, the conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Daniel Technology Center at Germanna Community College in Culpeper, Virginia. For information or to register, visit the conference website, email Adam Downing, or call 540-948-6881.
