In the first installment of Woodland Academy, explore the role of hunting access, liability and stewardship in your forest with Chief Scientist Emeritus Jeff Ward, GMF Forester Kate Regan Loomis and staff from CT DEEP.
GMF is pleased to cohost a special spring bird walk on May 30 in partnership with the CLCC. This is one of the best times of year for birding, as many species are establishing territories, singing frequently, and beginning to nest, which makes them easier to see and hear.
We’ll begin at Tamarack Pond, where we can observe birds that thrive in wetland and pond-edge habitats. From there, we’ll continue into the forest to look and listen for a variety of woodland birds.
We hope you’ll join us for this engaging and seasonal exploration of birds and their habitats.
30 May
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Great Mountain Forest201 Windrow Road, Norfolk, CT
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.
04 - 05 Jun
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
GMF Mountain House Barn200 Cannan Mountain Road, Falls Village, CT
In the second installment of Woodland Academy, discover sugarbush management strategies that balance maple production with long-term forest health and resiliency and bird conservation. Topics include evaluating forest structure and composition to understand current conditions and choosing appropriate sugaring systems that align with ecological goals. This class has been approved for 2 CT Forest Practitioner continuing education credits.
20 Jun
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
GMF Mountain House Barn200 Cannan Mountain Road, Falls Village, CT
Practice Sumi-e ink brush painting in the beauty of Great Mountain Forest as inspiration. With relaxation, observation and practice, everyone will come away with unique sumi-e paintings of the natural world.
20 Jun
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Great Mountain Forest201 Windrow Road, Norfolk, CT
In the third installment of Woodland Academy, learn about the safe use, care and maintenance of common hand tools in forest management. Participants will understand when and where hand tools are most appropriate, such as when thinning small trees, managing invasive plants, and improving forest access. This class has been approved for 2 CT Forest Practitioner continuing education credits. Register today!
“What does it mean to truly care for a forest? Ethan Tapper explores this question in a compelling and hopeful talk.” Through a message rooted in relationship, responsibility, and hope, Ethan invites us to rethink how we care for the natural world.
14 Aug
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Norfolk United Church of Christ12 Litchfield Street
Discover how different forestry practices can be used to create, maintain, or enhance habitat for a wide range of wildlife species. Participants will learn how forest age, structure, and composition influence wildlife use, and how practices such as thinning, regeneration cuts, and habitat diversification can support conservation goals. This class has been approved for 2 CT Forest Practitioner continuing education credits.
Gain insight into the most significant forests pests and pathogens, as well as other emerging threats, impacting Connecticut. Participants will learn how to identify signs of disease and pest damage, how these threats spread, and potential management strategies to reduce affects and improve forest resilience. This class has been approved for 2 CT Forest Practitioner continuing education credits.