2019

May

Managing Oaks for Northern Bobwhite Quail

The southeastern United States has millions of acres of oak dominated forests that have a closed canopy with limited herbaceous and shrub understory that northern bobwhite require. However, research has demonstrated that with adequate overstory thinning, and the use of frequent prescribed fire, these forests can support populations of Northern Bobwhite Quail, presenting perhaps the best opportunity for large-scale quail restoration in the region. Participants in the webinar will learn about managing oak forests and restoration efforts related to Northern Bobwhite Quail. 

You do not need to pre-register for this webinar. Please plan to join the Webinar no more than 15 minutes early so that you can register and successfully join the presentation interface. Approximately 15 minutes before this webinar's start time, the 'Join' button will be activated on this page. Once the 'Join' button is available, you may click the 'Join' button and begin the registration process.

Space will be limited to 500 participants on a first-come first-serve basis so, please plan to join 15 minutes before the webinar's scheduled start time.

If you have not participated in one of our Zoom hosted webinars before, please read the following instructions to find out how to setup, test and use Zoom on your computer.

View webinar

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June

Blue Ridge PRISM Invasive Plant Workshop

Non-native invasive plants are quickly overwhelming many properties by tearing down the forest canopy and overtaking our native plants at the tree, shrub and/or groundcover levels.  Understanding what invasive plants exist on the landscape and what it will take to control them can often feel overwhelming.

Our spring and summer workshops will enable you to learn how to confidently identify and manage invasive plants.

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Identifying invasive plants in spring and summer
  • Which invasives you can best kill now
  • Which invasives you should treat later
  • Best spring-time and summer-time practices for each invasive
  • Using manual & mechanical control methods
  • Methods for controlling invasives with herbicides
  • Choosing the right herbicide and equipment, and using it properly
  • Planning a work schedule with best timings for multiple plants

There will also be an opportunity to identify your plants, so bring samples of your mystery plants and we’ll identify them!

Each session includes classroom and outdoor instruction (weather permitting) and discussion.

Register

For more information, visit PRISM's website.

InsideTREES 

  • June 9-13
  • Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
  • Free - includes meals & lodging

The goal of the program is to increase awareness of educational and career opportunities in natural resources and sustainable biomaterials for women and underrepresented students. Therefore, first generation, women, minority, and rural high school students are encouraged to apply. 

Program Content

The three-day camp will incorporate aspects of wood science, forestry, engineering, and design to promote a sustainable future. The activities will be hands-on and participants will be actively learning through group projects, labs, and field trips. The activities will be presented by Sustainable Biomaterials faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students. 

Tentative schedule

Contact Audrey Zink-Sharp, 540-231-8820, agzink@vt.edu, for more information.  

Program is full.

The State of Virginia's Forests: A Health Report

Virginia’s forests cover over 60% of the state, but are our forests healthy? Learn how fragmentation, pests, invasive species, and other traumas have affected the health and vigor of Virginia’s trees, and how proper management can lead to improved vigor and health in the future.

Reservations recommended. Call 540-837-1758 x 224.

Blue Ridge PRISM Invasive Plant Workshop

Non-native invasive plants are quickly overwhelming many properties by tearing down the forest canopy and overtaking our native plants at the tree, shrub and/or groundcover levels.  Understanding what invasive plants exist on the landscape and what it will take to control them can often feel overwhelming.

Our spring and summer workshops will enable you to learn how to confidently identify and manage invasive plants.

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Identifying invasive plants in spring and summer
  • Which invasives you can best kill now
  • Which invasives you should treat later
  • Best spring-time and summer-time practices for each invasive
  • Using manual & mechanical control methods
  • Methods for controlling invasives with herbicides
  • Choosing the right herbicide and equipment, and using it properly
  • Planning a work schedule with best timings for multiple plants

There will also be an opportunity to identify your plants, so bring samples of your mystery plants and we’ll identify them!

Each session includes classroom and outdoor instruction (weather permitting) and discussion.

Register

For more information, visit PRISM's website.

Blue Ridge PRISM Invasive Plant Workshop

Non-native invasive plants are quickly overwhelming many properties by tearing down the forest canopy and overtaking our native plants at the tree, shrub and/or groundcover levels.  Understanding what invasive plants exist on the landscape and what it will take to control them can often feel overwhelming.

Our spring and summer workshops will enable you to learn how to confidently identify and manage invasive plants.

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Identifying invasive plants in spring and summer
  • Which invasives you can best kill now
  • Which invasives you should treat later
  • Best spring-time and summer-time practices for each invasive
  • Using manual & mechanical control methods
  • Methods for controlling invasives with herbicides
  • Choosing the right herbicide and equipment, and using it properly
  • Planning a work schedule with best timings for multiple plants

There will also be an opportunity to identify your plants, so bring samples of your mystery plants and we’ll identify them!

Each session includes classroom and outdoor instruction (weather permitting) and discussion.

Register

For more information, visit PRISM's website.

Forest Landowners Association: Family Forest Business Conference

  • June 18-21
  • Resort at Squaw Creek, Lake Tahoe
  • $650 FLA members; $750 non-members

Where caretakers and stakeholders come out of the woods and office to learn, engage and spark ideas.  

The Family Forest Business Conference is the only conference that brings together family forest landowners, forest businesses, forest consultants, and stakeholders to focus not only on sustaining private forests but sustaining the people who own them.

We understand strong and diversified markets are key to your business and family forest legacy. That’s why conference speakers and sessions focus specifically on the management and profitability of your forest lands while providing an atmosphere for the benefit of the whole family.

An ideal venue to discover a full breadth of every aspect of owning, managing, investing, and passing to the next generation working forests. The conference provides relevant and timely information along with thought provoking sessions that engage forestry stakeholders across the supply chain, as well as NGOs and government land management agencies.

Details

Register on-line

2019 Mapping with Drones

  • June 19-21
  • Blacksburg
  • $400 - inlcudes lunch all 3 days

Workshop Summary
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) are permeating many sectors of industry, and are increasingly being employed as data collection platforms to support of an array of applications.  Applications span disciplines and industries and can include:  planning, natural resource management, marketing, inspection of structures, agricultural production, permitting, and public safety.  Specific sensors can be used to tailor application needs. Flights can be scheduled and conducted under short notice to accommodate weather, and temporal considerations.  sUAS operations support efficient workflows and provide opportunities for ‘data on demand’.

This 3-day workshop will provide participants with the following:

  • An understanding of FAA and sUAS lingo;
  • A comprehensive knowledge of current federal commercial sUAS regulations;
  • In-depth discussions of sUAS platforms (fixed wing and multi-rotor), sensors (including true color, NIR, multispectral, thermal), and associated applications;
  • sUAS project workflows, including;
  • Compliance with FAA regulations and safe practices;
  • An overview of sUAS operation planning software, check sheets, and smartphone apps;
  • Demonstrations of fixed wing and multi-rotor aircraft (contingent on weather and other local conditions / regulations) of both autonomous and manual operations, and;
  • A comprehensive presentation and demonstration of image processing software techniques and options (image mosaics, NDVI, etc.).

Registration

This is an intensive, yet introductory level workshop.  No previous knowledge or experience with drones, sUAS, or GIS is required. Online registration is required and is available here. (major credit cards are accepted). The fee includes instruction, handouts, resources, and lunch (for all 3 days). After registration has been received, you will receive further information about the workshop (exact location, etc.).

Space is limited. Registration are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Questions associated with the workshop should be directed to John McGee (jmcg@vt.edu) or Daniel Cross (falkus@vt.edu).

This workshop is sponsored by the Virginia Tech Geospatial Extension Program, in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), the Conservation Management Institute (CMI), and GeoTED-UAS.

Teaching Trees Workshop (for high school teachers)

Training for teachers in forest ecology, management, and utilization with supporting Project Learning Tree® lessons

Who should attend:

This 2-day professional development event will introduce middle and high school science teachers to local pine and hardwood forestry, sustainable forest management, and forest products with hands-on field trips.  Instruction totals 14 hours; see your school administrator for recertification credit.

What to Expect:

Both days will largely be held in the field unless severe weather prohibits.  We will visit a sawmill, multiple forests and potentially an active logging job.  Instructors will discuss what is happening at each site within the context of sustainability.

Field-trip transportation is provided.

Participants will receive several PLT modules (correlated to Va. SOL) and related teaching supplies.

For more information, contact Ellen Powell, ellen.powell@dof.virginia.gov, 434-220-9083.

Please register by June 7.

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July

Teaching Trees Workshop (for high school teachers)

Training for teachers in forest ecology, management, and utilization with supporting Project Learning Tree® lessons

Who should attend:

This 2-day professional development event will introduce middle and high school science teachers to local pine and hardwood forestry, sustainable forest management, and forest products with hands-on field trips.  Instruction totals 14 hours; see your school administrator for recertification credit.

What to Expect:

Both days will largely be held in the field unless severe weather prohibits.  We will visit a sawmill, multiple forests and potentially an active logging job.  Instructors will discuss what is happening at each site within the context of sustainability.

Field-trip transportation is provided.

Participants will receive several PLT modules (correlated to Va. SOL) and related teaching supplies.

For more information, contact Ellen Powell, ellen.powell@dof.virginia.gov, 434-220-9083.

Please register by June 7.

Botany and Bloom Workshop: Summer Blooms

Explore the rich natural diversity of Sky Meadows.  This workshop includes a lecture in the Carriage Barn, followed by a 3-mile field hike for hands-on application. Participants will receive a colored print-out of the lecture. Bring water and lunch to eat along the trail, dress in layers, and wear sturdy shoes.

No pre-registration required.

More information available here. 

Top

August

Teaching Trees Workshop (for high school teachers)

Training for teachers in forest ecology, management, and utilization with supporting Project Learning Tree® lessons

Who should attend:

This 2-day professional development event will introduce middle and high school science teachers to local pine and hardwood forestry, sustainable forest management, and forest products with hands-on field trips.  Instruction totals 14 hours; see your school administrator for recertification credit.

What to Expect:

Both days will largely be held in the field unless severe weather prohibits. 

Field-trip transportation is provided.

Participants will receive several PLT modules (correlated to Va. SOL) and related teaching supplies.

For more information, contact Ellen Powell, ellen.powell@dof.virginia.gov, 434-220-9083.

Please register by June 10.

Preparing for Generation NEXT Workshop

  • August 9-10
  • Friday: 5:30 - 8:30
  • Saturday: 8:30 - 3:30
  • Longwood University, Farmville
  • $60* for up to 2 family members; $30* each additional family member

Are you prepared to pass the environmental and heirloom values rooted in your woods to the next generation? Join us for a 1.5 day workshop to learn how to secure your woodland legacy. Family participation is strongly encouraged.

For more information, contact Jason Fisher, jasonf@Vt.edu, 434-476-2147.

Bad Bugs: A Backyard Bestiary

Scientists from Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension will update participants on spotted lanternflies, emerald ash borers, stinkbugs, cicadas, and other problematic insects. Live and preserved specimens will be on display; bring securely bagged specimens for identification. The program ends with a walk to observe insects and insect damage. Dress for the weather.

Reservations required.  Call 540-837-1758 x 224.

The Butterflies in Your Backyard

Begins with an illustrated talk on Virginia butterflies, including life cycle, ecology, and identification. Then participants will look for butterflies in Blandy’s gardens. Dress for the weather.

Reservations required.  Call 540-837-1758 x 224.

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September

SE Virginia Beginning Woodland Owners' Retreat

Developed for landowners new to woodland management, this entry-level program covers the basics of keeping your woods and wildlife healthy and productive, while working towards meeting your ownership goals.  A combination of classroom, field trip, and hands-on activities are used to explore these concepts of sustainability.  A variety of natural resource professionals will be available throughout the program.  

Registration opens in July.  For more information, please contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391.

Save the date flier

2019 Mapping with Drones

  • September 10-12
  • Hampton
  • $450 - inlcudes lunch all 3 days

Workshop Summary 
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) are permeating many sectors of industry, and are increasingly being employed as data collection platforms to support of an array of applications.  Applications span disciplines and industries and can include:  planning, natural resource management, marketing, inspection of structures, agricultural production, permitting, and public safety.  Specific sensors can be used to tailor application needs. Flights can be scheduled and conducted under short notice to accommodate weather, and temporal considerations.  sUAS operations support efficient workflows and provide opportunities for ‘data on demand’.

This 3-day workshop will provide participants with the following:

  • An understanding of FAA and sUAS lingo;
  • A comprehensive knowledge of current federal commercial sUAS regulations;
  • In-depth discussions of sUAS platforms (fixed wing and multi-rotor), sensors (including true color, NIR, multispectral, thermal), and associated applications;
  • sUAS project workflows, including;
  • Compliance with FAA regulations and safe practices;
  • An overview of sUAS operation planning software, check sheets, and smartphone apps;
  • Demonstrations of fixed wing and multi-rotor aircraft (contingent on weather and other local conditions / regulations) of both autonomous and manual operations, and;
  • A comprehensive presentation and demonstration of image processing software techniques and options (image mosaics, NDVI, etc.).

Registration

This is an intensive, yet introductory level workshop.  No previous knowledge or experience with drones, sUAS, or GIS is required. Online registration is required and is available here. (major credit cards are accepted). The fee includes instruction, handouts, resources, and lunch (for all 3 days). After registration has been received, you will receive further information about the workshop (exact location, etc.).

Space is limited. Registration are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Questions associated with the workshop should be directed to John McGee (jmcg@vt.edu) or Daniel Cross (falkus@vt.edu).

This workshop is sponsored by the Virginia Tech Geospatial Extension Program, in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), the Conservation Management Institute (CMI), and GeoTED-UAS.

Preparing for Generation NEXT Workshop

Are you prepared to pass the environmental and heirloom values rooted in your woods to the next generation? Join us for a half-day workshop to learn how to secure your woodland legacy. Family participation is strongly encouraged.

For more information, contact Bill Worrell, bworrell@vt.edu, 276-889-8056

Registration will open in July.

Preparing for Generation NEXT Workshop

  • September 27-28
  • Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative, Harrisonburg
  • $70 for up to 2 family members; $35 each additional person 

Are you prepared to pass the environmental and heirloom values rooted in your woods to the next generation? Join us for a two-day workshop to learn how to secure your woodland legacy. Family participation is strongly encouraged.

Registration will open in July. 

Contact Adam Downing, adowning@vt.edu, 540-948-3881, for more information.

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October

2019 Mapping with Drones

  • October 8-10
  • Winchester
  • $400 - inlcudes lunch all 3 days

Workshop Summary 
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) are permeating many sectors of industry, and are increasingly being employed as data collection platforms to support of an array of applications.  Applications span disciplines and industries and can include:  planning, natural resource management, marketing, inspection of structures, agricultural production, permitting, and public safety.  Specific sensors can be used to tailor application needs. Flights can be scheduled and conducted under short notice to accommodate weather, and temporal considerations.  sUAS operations support efficient workflows and provide opportunities for ‘data on demand’.

This 3-day workshop will provide participants with the following:

  • An understanding of FAA and sUAS lingo;
  • A comprehensive knowledge of current federal commercial sUAS regulations;
  • In-depth discussions of sUAS platforms (fixed wing and multi-rotor), sensors (including true color, NIR, multispectral, thermal), and associated applications;
  • sUAS project workflows, including;
  • Compliance with FAA regulations and safe practices;
  • An overview of sUAS operation planning software, check sheets, and smartphone apps;
  • Demonstrations of fixed wing and multi-rotor aircraft (contingent on weather and other local conditions / regulations) of both autonomous and manual operations, and;
  • A comprehensive presentation and demonstration of image processing software techniques and options (image mosaics, NDVI, etc.).

Registration

This is an intensive, yet introductory level workshop.  No previous knowledge or experience with drones, sUAS, or GIS is required. Online registration is required and is available here. (major credit cards are accepted). The fee includes instruction, handouts, resources, and lunch (for all 3 days). After registration has been received, you will receive further information about the workshop (exact location, etc.).

Space is limited. Registration are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Questions associated with the workshop should be directed to John McGee (jmcg@vt.edu) or Daniel Cross (falkus@vt.edu).

This workshop is sponsored by the Virginia Tech Geospatial Extension Program, in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), the Conservation Management Institute (CMI), and GeoTED-UAS.

Blue Ridge PRISM Invasive Plant Workshop

Non-native invasive plants are quickly overwhelming many properties by tearing down the forest canopy and overtaking our native plants at the tree, shrub and/or groundcover levels.  Understanding what invasive plants exist on the landscape and what it will take to control them can often feel overwhelming.

Our spring and summer workshops will enable you to learn how to confidently identify and manage invasive plants.

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Identifying invasive plants in spring and summer
  • Which invasives you can best kill now
  • Which invasives you should treat later
  • Best spring-time and summer-time practices for each invasive
  • Using manual & mechanical control methods
  • Methods for controlling invasives with herbicides
  • Choosing the right herbicide and equipment, and using it properly
  • Planning a work schedule with best timings for multiple plants

There will also be an opportunity to identify your plants, so bring samples of your mystery plants and we’ll identify them!

Each session includes classroom and outdoor instruction (weather permitting) and discussion.

Register

For more information, visit PRISM's website.

2019 Mapping with Drones

  • October 22-24
  • Richmond
  • $400 - inlcudes lunch all 3 days

Workshop Summary 
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) are permeating many sectors of industry, and are increasingly being employed as data collection platforms to support of an array of applications.  Applications span disciplines and industries and can include:  planning, natural resource management, marketing, inspection of structures, agricultural production, permitting, and public safety.  Specific sensors can be used to tailor application needs. Flights can be scheduled and conducted under short notice to accommodate weather, and temporal considerations.  sUAS operations support efficient workflows and provide opportunities for ‘data on demand’.

This 3-day workshop will provide participants with the following:

  • An understanding of FAA and sUAS lingo;
  • A comprehensive knowledge of current federal commercial sUAS regulations;
  • In-depth discussions of sUAS platforms (fixed wing and multi-rotor), sensors (including true color, NIR, multispectral, thermal), and associated applications;
  • sUAS project workflows, including;
  • Compliance with FAA regulations and safe practices;
  • An overview of sUAS operation planning software, check sheets, and smartphone apps;
  • Demonstrations of fixed wing and multi-rotor aircraft (contingent on weather and other local conditions / regulations) of both autonomous and manual operations, and;
  • A comprehensive presentation and demonstration of image processing software techniques and options (image mosaics, NDVI, etc.).

Registration

This is an intensive, yet introductory level workshop.  No previous knowledge or experience with drones, sUAS, or GIS is required. Online registration is required and is available here. (major credit cards are accepted). The fee includes instruction, handouts, resources, and lunch (for all 3 days). After registration has been received, you will receive further information about the workshop (exact location, etc.).

Space is limited. Registration are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Questions associated with the workshop should be directed to John McGee (jmcg@vt.edu) or Daniel Cross (falkus@vt.edu).

This workshop is sponsored by the Virginia Tech Geospatial Extension Program, in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), the Conservation Management Institute (CMI), and GeoTED-UAS.

Blue Ridge PRISM Invasive Plant Workshop

Non-native invasive plants are quickly overwhelming many properties by tearing down the forest canopy and overtaking our native plants at the tree, shrub and/or groundcover levels.  Understanding what invasive plants exist on the landscape and what it will take to control them can often feel overwhelming.

Our spring and summer workshops will enable you to learn how to confidently identify and manage invasive plants.

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Identifying invasive plants in spring and summer
  • Which invasives you can best kill now
  • Which invasives you should treat later
  • Best spring-time and summer-time practices for each invasive
  • Using manual & mechanical control methods
  • Methods for controlling invasives with herbicides
  • Choosing the right herbicide and equipment, and using it properly
  • Planning a work schedule with best timings for multiple plants

There will also be an opportunity to identify your plants, so bring samples of your mystery plants and we’ll identify them!

Each session includes classroom and outdoor instruction (weather permitting) and discussion.

Register

For more information, visit PRISM's website.

Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tours

Schedule coming soon!

Top

November

Blue Ridge PRISM Invasive Plant Workshop

Non-native invasive plants are quickly overwhelming many properties by tearing down the forest canopy and overtaking our native plants at the tree, shrub and/or groundcover levels.  Understanding what invasive plants exist on the landscape and what it will take to control them can often feel overwhelming.

Our spring and summer workshops will enable you to learn how to confidently identify and manage invasive plants.

Topics covered in this session include:

  • Identifying invasive plants in spring and summer
  • Which invasives you can best kill now
  • Which invasives you should treat later
  • Best spring-time and summer-time practices for each invasive
  • Using manual & mechanical control methods
  • Methods for controlling invasives with herbicides
  • Choosing the right herbicide and equipment, and using it properly
  • Planning a work schedule with best timings for multiple plants

There will also be an opportunity to identify your plants, so bring samples of your mystery plants and we’ll identify them!

Each session includes classroom and outdoor instruction (weather permitting) and discussion.

Register

For more information, visit PRISM's website.

Preparing for Generation NEXT Workshop

  • November 9
  • Times TBA
  • New Kent Forestry Center, Providence Forge
  • $25* for up to 2 family members; $15* each additional family member

Are you prepared to pass the environmental and heirloom values rooted in your woods to the next generation? Join us for a half-day workshop to learn how to secure your woodland legacy. Family participation is strongly encouraged.

For more information, contact Neil Clark, neclark@vt.edu, 757-653-2572

Registration will open in September

Botany and Bloom Workshop: Summer Blooms

Explore the rich natural diversity of Sky Meadows.  This workshop includes a lecture in the Carriage Barn, followed by a 3-mile field hike for hands-on application. Participants will receive a colored print-out of the lecture. Bring water and lunch to eat along the trail, dress in layers, and wear sturdy shoes.

No pre-registration required.

More information available here. 

Top

December

Preparing for Generation NEXT Workshop

  • December 5-6
  • Thursday: 12:30 - 5:30
  • Friday: 9:00 - 4:00
  • Springhill Suites, Roanoke
  • $70* for up to 2 family members; $35* each additional family member

Are you prepared to pass the environmental and heirloom values rooted in your woods to the next generation? Join us for a half-day workshop to learn how to secure your woodland legacy. Family participation is strongly encouraged.

For more information, contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391.

Registration will open in October.