Events

Join us to learn more about these elusive native wild cats and ongoing conservation work across the state!

Forests are dynamic homes to a great diversity of bird species, including many migratory birds that rely on our forests for breeding and migratory stopovers. Each has unique habitat needs shaped by forest age, structure, and composition. Whether you’re stewarding woodlands for timber, recreation, or personal enjoyment, this one-day course will help you better understand how your forest management choices can support birds throughout their life cycles.

Over the course of three days, participants will develop core competencies in tree and shrub identification, explore the ecological processes that shape forest dynamics, and become familiar with a range of landowner goals and forest management approaches—from enhancing wildlife habitat to managing for timber or leaving land “forever wild.” Each module builds upon the last, ensuring participants leave with a well-rounded introduction to the science, values, and techniques behind responsible forest stewardship.

Come spend a summer morning immersed in the rich legacy of weather science at Great Mountain Forest (GMF)! For over 90 years, GMF has been a quiet but crucial hub for collecting local climate data—serving scientists, foresters, and nature lovers alike. Presented by Russell Russ, Forest Property Manager at Great Mountain Forest  

The day will begin with analogue navigation techniques, focusing on how to read topographic maps, use a compass to take and follow bearings, estimate distances traveled and to a goal, and identify your location on the landscape without the aid of electronics. These are fundamental skills for moving through unfamiliar forest terrain safely and effectively.

Over the course of three days, participants will develop core competencies in tree and shrub identification, explore the ecological processes that shape forest dynamics, and become familiar with a range of landowner goals and forest management approaches—from enhancing wildlife habitat to managing for timber or leaving land “forever wild.” Each module builds upon the last, ensuring participants leave with a well-rounded introduction to the science, values, and techniques behind responsible forest stewardship.

Over the course of three days, participants will develop core competencies in tree and shrub identification, explore the ecological processes that shape forest dynamics, and become familiar with a range of landowner goals and forest management approaches—from enhancing wildlife habitat to managing for timber or leaving land “forever wild.” Each module builds upon the last, ensuring participants leave with a well-rounded introduction to the science, values, and techniques behind responsible forest stewardship.