Events Calendar

2026

February

Remote Pilot (Drone) Certification Test Prep

February 11 & 12
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.

2026 Virginia Association of Forest Health Professionals Annual Conference

February 12-13
Inn at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
2/12 8:00 - 5:15; 2/13 8:00 - 12:15
$120* - $175*

Learn about new, emerging, and on-going forest health concerns. Continuing education credits available.

Southern Pine Beetle Information Session

February 19
Virginia Cooperative Extension Southampton Office, Courtland
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Price to be announced

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.

Registration will open in early January 2026: Calendar of Events — Virginia Cooperative Extension - Virginia State University.

Contact Neil Clark, neclark@vt.edu, 757-653-2572 for more information.

Southwest Virginia Woods & Wildlife Conference

February 21
Squires Student Center, Blacksburg
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
$55/person; $100/couple

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
Register online
Register by mail

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

Northern Virginia Woods & Wildlife Conference

February 28
Daniel Technology Center, Germanna Community College, Culpeper
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
$55/person; $100/couple

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
Register online
Register by mail

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

Top

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.

Silvopasture Workshop

March 18
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Randolph Farm, Petersburg
Free

Registration will open in early January 2026: Calendar of Events — Virginia Cooperative Extension - Virginia State University.

Contact Kenrda Esparza-Harris, kendra.esparza-harris@dof.virginia.gov , 434-326-2599, for more information.

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

March 13-14
Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center, Appomattox
Agenda
No Lodging
- Individual $65
- Couple $110
Lodging Thurs. & Fri.
- Individual $105
- Couple $190
Register on line
Register by mail

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.