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Events Calendar

2026

February 

Southern Pine Beetle Information Session

Historically, the southern pine beetle (SPB) has been the most destructive native forest pest in the Southeast. SPB, and several other native pine bark beetles, can cause significant damage to our pine resource. Last year, the Virginia Department of Forestry placed 30 traps across 12 counties in high-risk locations in Virginia. The most SPB were found in traps located in Chesterfield, Cumberland and Dinwiddie counties; these counties may experience slightly higher SPB activity within the next year.

This session will provide more information about these beetles and how to protect your pines. 

Register online

For more information, contact Garry Banks at (804) 760-3615, or gbanks@vsu.edu.

Southwest Virginia Woods & Wildlife Conference

This conference provides information, tools, and personal contacts to help private woodland owners keep their woods, and the wildlife that live in them, healthy and productive. A variety of topics are offered to appeal to owners of both small and large tracts, and both new and experienced owners. Registration includes lunch and refreshments. 

  • Agenda
  • Registration is closed - program is full
  • E-mail jgagnon@vt.edu to be added  to wait list

Contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391 for more information.

Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: Biological Controls for Biological Invasions

Join Jennifer Gagnon as she visits Dr. Carrie Fearer's Forest Health lab to learn about using biological controls as part of in integrated pest management strategy to control invasive species. 

YouTube Premier

Northern Virginia Woods & Wildlife Conference

This conference provides information, tools, and personal contacts to help private woodland owners keep their woods, and the wildlife that live in them, healthy and productive. A variety of topics are offered to appeal to owners of both small and large tracts, and both new and experienced owners. Registration includes lunch and refreshments. 

  • Agenda
  • Registration is closed - program is full
  • E-mail jgagnon@vt.edu to be added to a wait list

Contact Adam Downing, adowning@vt.edu, 540-948-6881 for more information.

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March

The Woods in Your Backyard Online Course

  • March 9 - May 18
  • Online 
  • $120 - inlcudes the Woods in Your Backyar manual and Tree ID Guide

This self-directed, non-credit course from University of Maryland Extension is now open! The non-credit course runs 10 weeks. The online format lets you access the content when it’s convenient for you, without worrying about attending evening classes or weekend workshops.

The course will help landowners convert lawn to natural areas and enhance stewardship of existing natural areas. Based on the guide of the same name, the course provides strategies to landowners of small parcels of land (1-10 acres) that improve the stewardship of their property for personal enjoyment and environmental quality. It uses a hands-on learning approach to help participants develop and implement a plan for their property. Activities include how to map habitat areas, understand basic ecological principles about woodland and wildlife, choose and implement a few habitat management projects, and how to set a timetable and record your progress. Online discussion groups will allow participants to interact with others taking the course. A certificate of completion is awarded when all assignments are completed.

The course is limited to 20 participants, so sign up now!

For more information, go to https://go.umd.edu/the_course. To register through Eventbrite, go to https://WIYB-Spring2026.eventbrite.com.

Planning and Benefits of Silvopasture in Livestock Production 

This workshop will explore landowners’ interest in silvopasture, a system integrating the management of trees, forage and livestock for sustainable ecological and economic production. Participants will learn about silvopasture benefits and opportunities, design principles, practical management techniques and resources available to support landowners’ interest in the practice, implementation and management.

For more info, contact James Gibson 804-720-6826, jegibson@vsu.edu.

Remote Pilot (Drone) Certification Test Prep

  • March 24 & 25
  • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Virtual
  • ADVANCE cohort & Extension: $225
  • Students/Educators: $250
  • Non-educators:  $350

What: 2-day workshop. Mapping with Drones: Remote Pilot Certification Preparation. This workshop provides extensive preparation for the FAA’s Remote Pilot Certification test (aka Part 107).  This certification is essential to operating a drone legally. Note that if you are interested in learning how to map with drones, then you should consider registering for the ADVANCE Educator Workshop.

Who:  This workshop (preparation for the FAA Remote Pilot Certification) is essential for drone operators interested in Mapping with Drones, Photography/Videography with Drones, and others who are either interested in operating a drone or managers who need to learn more about the regulatory environment. This workshop is appropriate for Extension agents/specialists, Private industry, Natural resource professionals, Planning professionals, Local/State govt. employees, Public safety professionals, Agricultural operators, Educators (high school, community college, university), Realtors, Construction/Inspection teams, etc.  This is an introductory workshop… No previous experience or knowledge is necessary.

Beyond the Basics Woodland Owner Retreat: Managing Your Forest for Timber Income 

This day and a half retreat will cover the people and process involved in a timber sale. A combination of classroom, field trip, and hands-on sessions will be used to teach the concepts of sustainable timber harvesting. The program will conclude with a virtual timber sale activity. 

Topics include:

  • People involved in a timber sale
  • Overview of the forest industry
  • Factors that affect price
  • Is your timber ready to sell?
  • Field trip with active timber harvests
  • Virtual timber sale experience

On site lodging is available for individuals and couples. Couples lodging is limited to 5 couples and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. To maximize your experience, we strongly encourage participants to stay on site. 

Registration fees include 3 meals on Friday and 2 meals on Saturday, plus refreshments, field trip transportation, and materials. 

Contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391, for more information. 

Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: Pollen

Everything is yellow!  Ahhh-choo!  Learn why there's so much pollen this time of year. 

YouTube Premier

Spring Ephmerals Woods Walk 

Explore the woods around historic Montpelier to learn about early and important flowering plants. 

Details and registration available in early 2026:  https://www.montpelier.org/events/

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April

Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: Catalpa

Jason Fisher will share the joys of having catalpa trees on your land.

YouTube Premier

Majestic Trees of Montpelier 

Learn about some of the historic, large, and/or old trees that live on the grounds of Montpelier. 

Details and registration available in early 2026:  https://www.montpelier.org/events/

Virginia Forestry Summit

Details coming early 2026

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May

Spring Venture Outdoors

Attention landowners! Do you want to know more about current forestry and wildlife topics? If so, Venture Outdoors with us! This half-day program includes both classroom and field trip sessions. Topics will include: a forest health update, tree identification, a wild game update, and cost share opportunities.

Bring your own bag lunch. Water provided. These events happen rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. 

For more information, please contact Jason Fisher, jasonf@vt.edu, 434-476-2147 x 3389.

Please print and return this form to register. 

Beginning Woodland Owner Retreat

Details and registration coming in March

Contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391, for more information. 

Spring Working Woods Walk

Explore the woods around historic Montpelier to learn how active forest management can be used to improve forest health and wildlife habitat. 

Details and registration available in early 2026:  https://www.montpelier.org/events/

17th Annual Vegetation Management Workshop

This full-day workshop covers land and weed management and hosts a very fun and diverse group of 200 plus folks from the forestry, utility rights of way, wildlife, and invasives markets.  Included in our group will be applicators, foresters, biologists, land managers, energy companies, row applicators, manufacturers, seedling suppliers & professionals, forestry contractors, VT extension, Virginia Forestry Association, Virginia Dept of Forestry, professional consultants and forest landowners.  

Online registration will open in mid-March. Pre-registration is mandatory. At the conclusion of the program, we will be offering SAF, SHARP Logger, and pesticide recertification credits.

For more information:

Spring Venture Outdoors

Attention landowners! Do you want to know more about current forestry and wildlife topics?

If so, Venture Outdoors with us! This half-day program includes both classroom and field trip sessions. Topics will include: a forest health update (bugs and disease), tree identification, wild game update, and cost share opportunities.

Partnering agencies include Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and other educational groups.

Bring your own bag lunch. Water provided. These events happen rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. 

For more information, please contact Jason Fisher, jasonf@vt.edu, 434-476-2147 x 3389.

Registration is required. Please print and return this form. 

Spring Venture Outdoors

Attention landowners! Do you want to know more about current forestry and wildlife topics?

If so, Venture Outdoors with us! This half-day program includes both classroom and field trip sessions. Topics will include: a forest health update (bugs and disease), tree identification, wild game update, and cost share opportunities.

Partnering agencies include Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and other educational groups.

Bring your own bag lunch. Water provided. These events happen rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. 

For more information, please contact Jason Fisher, jasonf@vt.edu, 434-476-2147 x 3389.

Registration is required. Please print and return this form. 

Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: Fungi

Learn about the role of fungi in forested ecosystem. 

YouTube Premier

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June

Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: After the Storm 2: Cleanup Safely

Karen Snape continues her storm damage clean up series. 

YouTube Premier

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July

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August

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September

Beginning Woodland Owner Retreat

Details and registration coming in March

Contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391, for more information. 

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October

50th Anniversary Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tours!

  • October 20-23

Join the celebration of Virginia's longest running forest landowner program!  Special stops and swag!

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November

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December

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2026 Programs