Events Calendar
2023
2023 CFE Extravaganza
- Virginia Department of Forestry HQ, Charlottesville and ZOOM
- September 28
- 9:00 - 4:30
- $30 SAF Members; $45 Non SAF Members
- Approved for 5 Category 1 CFEs
Join fellow Virginia Division SAF Members for this day-long educational opportunity. Agenda coming soon. Registration is the same for both in-persona and virtual options. In-person option includes lunch.
- Registration is closed
Contact Scott Reigel, rreigel@mgcc.edu, for more information.
Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: The White Oak Family
- September 29
- 12:15
- YouTube
- Facebook Live
Join Virginia Cooperative Extension's Jason Fisher to learn how to identify the members of the white oak family. Simply visit the Facebook or YouTube page at 12:15 on September 29 to watch the video and participate in a live chat.
Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tour & Virginia Tree Farm Foundation Tour
- October 6
- 8:00 - 5:00
- Bland County
- $25/person; $45/couple - includes lunch
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Bastian BP Station 254 Arrowhead Drive Bastian, VA 24314. Tour begins promptly at 8:30 a.m.
Bland is the only county in the United States that is both entered and exited via two of the longest Interstate tunnels in the country. Travel under the mountains to join us to learn more about active woodland management in Virginia’s 4th least populated county.
Stop 1: Demeter Tree Farm The Sargents are sustainably managing over 500 acres for timber, wildlife, and a family legacy. At this half-day stop, we’ll hear about the tools they are using to achieve their ownership goals on their certified Tree Farm.
Lunch catered by Taste of the Mountains
Stop 2: Bradshaw Firewood Firewood is a high-value product that can be made from low-value trees. Bradshaw Firewood is a family owned business that has been in operation since 1989. They process firewood year around and sell it in small bundles or in bulk. At this stop we’ll learn about their operation.
Stop 3: Harvesting Timber and Managing Wildlife Visit to a mechanized timber harvesting operation in the Round Mountain area to learn about regeneration harvests. We will see and learn about the forest and wildlife management in this young forest.
Stop 4: Managing for Wildlife - With Fire Find out about the numerous benefits of using prescribed fire in Appalachian forests.
For more information, contact Bill Worrell, bworrell@vt.edu, 276-889-8056. Please register by noon, Friday Septemebr 29th.
Virginia Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Course
- October 2-15
- Online
- Free
This course was developed to promote the use of prescribed fire in Virginia, as well as raise the knowledge and awareness of Virginia’s prescribed burn practitioners. Students will gain an understanding of fire history and uses, burn planning and implementation, fire effects, and smoke management. Certified prescribed burn managers can apply for an exemption to the 4 PM Burning Law to complete specific types of burning during the restricted period of February 15 to April 30.
Online self-paced delivery, approximately 24 hours. Students have the flexibility to work through the materials as their schedules allow. Experienced cadre members will host virtual office hours on select dates where students can ask questions and engage in prescribed fire discussions.
Target Group: Landowners, natural resource managers, consultants, and contractors.
Nominations: Open May 1 - July 31, 2023
Course Coordinator: Jason Braunstein (jason.braunstein@dof.virginia.gov)
Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tour & Virginia Tree Farm Foundation Tour
- October 11
- 12:30 - 7:00
- Essex and King & Queen Counties
- $25/person; $45/couple
Meet at 12:30 p.m. at Upper King & Queen Ruritan 186 Walnut Springs Road St. Stephen’s Church, VA 23148. Tour begins promptly at 1:00 p.m.
Examples of active forest management for both timber production and wildlife abound in these rural counties.
Stop 1: Young Pine and Hardwoods for Wildlife Creating a diversity of wildlife habitat across the landscape is a great way to attract a diversity of wildlife species. Learn about the roles both young pine and hardwood forests provide.
Stop 2: Managing a Pine Savannah Low-density pine forests allow for a diverse understory. And this understory provides benefits to many wildlife species. At this stop, you’ll see how a savannah is created...and maintained.
Stop 3: The Return of a Virginia Native - Longleaf Pine Longleaf pine was once a major component of southeastern forests. Its valuable wood led to extensive harvesting; its requirement for fire led to its replacement with easier to grow species (like loblolly pine). Learn about the resurgence of this lovely tree how it benefits wildlife.
Stop 4: Dinner and a Wildlife Talk A catered dinner will be served at the Upper King & Queen Ruritan. Wildlife biologist Alison Menefee will discuss management activities that attract wildlife, including bobwhite quail. Additionally, she will share current management guidance for the northern long-eared bat.
For more information, contact Neil Clark, neclark@vt.edu, 757-653-2572. Please register by noon, Wednesday October 4.
Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tour
- October 12
- 8:00 - 5:00
- Mecklenburg County
- $45/person; $80/couple
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Dick Cross Wildlife Management Area 6282 Bugs Island Road Boydton, VA. Tour begins promptly at 8:30 a.m.
This rural county grows a lot of trees. In fact, Mecklenburg is one of the top ten producers of timber (by volume) in Virginia. Timber harvesting creates habitat, and as such, wildlife abounds here.
Stop 1: Eagle Point Wildlife Management Area Mecklenburg is fortunate to have several recreational sites maintained by the US Army Corp of Engineers. At Eagle Point we will learn how to grow a hardwood forest by planting pines. It just requires advance regeneration, proper site preparation and a little good fortune.
Stop 2: Forest Management for Private Woodland Owners A current Stewardship Plan is a key component of successful forest management. See hardwoods being converted to pine forests on this farm. Stream buffers are also key to protecting watersheds, especially one that flows into a 50,000-acre reservoir.
A locally catered lunch will be served at John H. Kerr Dam
Stop 3: Virginia’s Largest (human-made) Lake! This dam, built in the late 1940’s, ends a 39-mile run of the Roanoke River along 800 miles of wooded, cove-studded shoreline in Virginia and North Carolina. There are 26 wildlife management areas on Kerr, totaling over 10,000 acres. Learn how this area benefits fish and wildlife conservation, recreation, forest management, and water supply.
Stop 4: Buffering Virginia’s Largest (human-made) Lake Forested buffers are an effective way to protect water quality. Learn how buffers are created an maintained.
Stop 5: Wetlands for Wildlife See how wetland habitats flourish just downstream of the Kerr Dam, as well as wildlife plantings, invasive plant control, and how to calibrate a small-scale sprayer for herbicide application.
For more information, contact Jason Fisher, jasonf@vt.edu@vt.edu, 434-476-2147. Please register by noon, Wednesday October 4.
Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: Chiggers - Mites that Bite
- October 13
- 12:15
- YouTube
- Facebook Live
Join Virginia Cooperative Extension's Neil Clark to learn about the itchiest things in the woods - chiggers. Simply visit the Facebook or YouTube page at 12:15 on October 13 to watch the video and participate in a live chat.
Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tour
- October 20
- Warren County
- 8:30 - 4:30
- $45/person; $80/couple
Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Samuels Public Library 330 East Criser Road Front Royal, VA 22630. Tour begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Warren County’s strategic location of land and water trade routes has made it a happening place for thousands of years beginning with the Native Americans. While every county in Virginia is historic, only one can boast that the oldest known permanent habitations in the eastern United States are located here, along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River.
Stop 1: Wildlife Corridors and 7 Generations Farming With the Shenandoah National Park behind us, overlooking the South Fork onto the George Washington National Forest before us, we’ll experience the wit and will to connect these large forested tracts for the sake of wildlife travel and maintaining vast open-space for public and private good. The Stinson tract is a 7th generation farm of 337 conserved acres connected to other protected private lands, collectively forming the Overall Corridor, an invaluable resource and fascinating story.
Stop 2. Izaak Walton League of America’s Warren County Chapter An early pioneer in conservation and management of natural resources, the namesake, organization and the local chapter continue to champion conservation and provide opportunities for young and old alike. The organization’s local chapter is located on a 19th century farm in beautiful Browntown, VA. We will walk the grounds while discussing pond management, edge habitat, youth development and more concluding with a lunch of traditional favorites in the old farm house.
Stop 3: Small Woodlots & Valuable Hardwoods Much of Virginia’s valuable timber is in small hardwood stands. This 25-acre tract is typical of many in history and composition with a landowner wanting to do good. We’ll take a deep dive into hardwood silviculture by walking through the new Hardwood Assessment Tool (HAT) developed by Virginia Tech and the Virginia Department of Forestry. And wildlife is always part of the discussion, even when we’re trying to grow valuable timber… hear again how compatible they are and sources of landowner assistance to make good forest stewardship happen.
Stop 4. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute What’s behind the tall fenced-in property on 3000+ acres of a former US Army Cavalry Remount Station just south of Front Royal? Well, there is a lot, but perhaps the most unique project with applicability for landowners is one of the oldest and largest deer exclosures in the region. It helps us answer the question, “what would our forest look like with less deer?” The world renown researcher Bill McShea will share his latest science on the ecological impacts of deer. This is a rare opportunity, don’t miss it!
For more information, contact Adam Downing, adowning@vt.edu, 540-948-6881. Please register by 4 p.m. Friday October 6.
Generation NEXT Legacy Planning Workshop
- October 20-21
- 5:30 - 8:15 Friday evening
- 9:00 - 3:00 Saturday
- Old Dominion Agricultural Complex, Chatham
- $90 for up to 2 family members; $45 for each additional family member
Learn how to pass your land and your legacy on to the next generation while keeping it intact, in forest, and in family ownership.
- Learn more here: Generation NEXT
- Agenda
- Register by mail
- Register online
Contact Jason Fisher, jasonf@vt.edu, 434-476-2147 for more information.
Working Woods Walk
- October 21
- 10:00 - 12:00
- James Madison's Montpelier, Montpelier Station
- $18/adult; $12 youth; Free 11 and under
Enjoy an autumn walk while learning about the essential benefits forests offer. Develop an understanding of the importance of managing our forests for biodiversity, environmental health and economic sustainability.
- Please visit James Madison's Montpelier for more information
- Register online
Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: Virginia's Hardwood Initiative
- October 27
- 12:15
- YouTube
- Facebook Live
Join Virginia Tech's Karen Snape to learn about technical and financial assistance now available to private woodland owners who want to manage their hardwood forests. Simply visit the Facebook or YouTube page at 12:15 on October 27 to watch the video and participate in a live chat.
Generation NEXT Legacy Planning Workshop
- November 9
- 6 - 9:00 PM
- Virginia Tech Richmond Center, Richmond
- $40/couple
Learn about the legal, financial, and conservation tools available to help you pass your land and your legacy on to the next generation while keeping it intact, in forest, and in family ownership.
Contact Neil Clark, neclark@vt.edu, 757-653-2572 for more information.
Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: Hellbender Habitat Restoration
- November 10
- 12:15
- YouTube
- Facebook Live
Join Virginia Cooperative Extension's Bill Worrell for an update on on-going hellbender research in southwest Virginia. Simply visit the Facebook or YouTube page at 12:15 on November 10 to watch the video and participate in a live chat.
Mapping with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)
- December 14-15
- Virtual
- $250
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 is an intensive, yet introductory level workshop, and can be considered a ‘drone boot camp’. No previous knowledge or experience with drones, sUAS, or GIS is required. This 2-day workshop will provide participants with the following:
- An understanding of FAA and sUAS lingo;
- An in depth review of the FAA’s Remote Pilot Knowledge Test (aka Part 107);
- Other discussions (basic introduction to sensors, data, and flight planning as time allows).
Workshop registration closes ~1 month prior to each workshop.
- After you submit your online registration & payment, you will receive payment confirmation and further information about the workshop (login information, etc.).
- All workshop options are conducted through ZOOM.
- Workshop material will be mailed to you 3-4 weeks prior to the workshop.
- Space is limited.
- Register online
Questions associated with the workshop should be directed to John McGee (jmcg@vt.edu) or Daniel Cross (falkus@vt.edu).
Mapping with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)
- January 4-5
- Virtual
- $250
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 is an intensive, yet introductory level workshop, and can be considered a ‘drone boot camp’. No previous knowledge or experience with drones, sUAS, or GIS is required. This 2-day workshop will provide participants with the following:
- An understanding of FAA and sUAS lingo;
- An in depth review of the FAA’s Remote Pilot Knowledge Test (aka Part 107);
- Other discussions (basic introduction to sensors, data, and flight planning as time allows).
Workshop registration closes ~1 month prior to each workshop.
- After you submit your online registration & payment, you will receive payment confirmation and further information about the workshop (login information, etc.).
- All workshop options are conducted through ZOOM.
- Workshop material will be mailed to you 3-4 weeks prior to the workshop.
- Space is limited.
- Register online
Questions associated with the workshop should be directed to John McGee (jmcg@vt.edu) or Daniel Cross (falkus@vt.edu).
Southwest Virginia Woods & Wildlife Conference
- February 10
- 8:30 - 4:30
- Wytheville Meeting Center, Wytheville
- Agenda available December
- Registration opens December
Contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391 for details.
Northern Virginia Woods & Wildlife Conference
- February 24
- 8:30 - 4:30
- Daniel Technology Center, Culpeper
- Agenda available December
- Registration opens December
Contact Adam Downing, adowning@vt.edu, 540-948-6881 for details.
Virtual Generation NEXT: Conservation Tools
- March 7
- 6:30 - 8:30
- Online
Join the Generation NEXT Team for a deep dive into the conservation tools available in Virginia to help you keep your land intact, in forest, and in family as your land passes from one generation to the next.
Contact Karen Snape ksnape@vt.edu 540-231-6494 for more information.
Woodland Management: Beyond the Basics Advanced Woodland Owner Retreat
- March 22-23
- Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, Appomattox
- Agenda available January
- Regsitration open January
Contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391 for details.
Gather to Grow: A Conference to Honor the Past and Shape the Future of Forest Farming
- March 22-24
- Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Roanoke
Beginning Woodland Owner Retreat
- May 3-4
- Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center, Abingdon
- Agenda available March
- Regsitration open March
Contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391 for details.
Beginning Woodland Owner Retreat
- September TBA
- New Kent Forestry Center, Providence Forge
- Agenda available July
- Regsitration open July
Contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391 for details.
Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tours
- Dates and locations available summer 2024
- Registration open summer 2024
Contact Jennifer Gagnon, jgagnon@vt.edu, 540-231-6391 for details.