hendersonville, 6th Annual Short Course for Private Landowners Offered

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6th Annual Short Course for Private Landowners Offered

Over the past 15 years, and in direct relation to a growing population, WNC has seen an increase in wildland-urban interface issues, including fire danger and invasive plant and animal species.

Approximately three-fourths of all forestland in NC is owned by nonindustrial private woodlot owners and this course is designed to offer educational opportunities on diverse land management goals to these landowners, especially those owning 20 acres or less.

Landowners interested in learning more about managing their land in Western North Carolina are invited to participate in a unique educational event scheduled for this summer. A team of land management experts from federal and state agencies, universities, and the private sector are coordinating efforts to offer the annual Woodland Steward Series through the Biltmore Forest School.

48 hours over 4 one and a half day sessions will be provided with opportunities to engage with natural resource and land management specialists. Sessions include both hands-on opportunities in the field and instruction in the classroom. Introductory information on a wide variety of land management topics will be discussed.

Workshop Schedule:

Discovering Your Land: Basic Land Management Skills (July 11 & 12)--How to set property management goals and objectives while considering the role of your land in the big picture of Southern Appalachian ecosystems. A basic introduction to some local native wildlife and how to manage your land with wildlife in mind. Learn to use basic tools such as plant ID, soil sampling, using maps and compasses, and GIS information to manage your land.
Woodscaping Your Woodlands & Firewise Management (July 25 & 26)--A general overview of managing your forest land–how topography and soil affect the forest type and an overview of harvesting methods. Basic information on forest insects and diseases, pasture management, and how to grow native woodland medicinals and ramps. Reducing the risk of wildfire loss by becoming “Firewise” in your backyard.
Native Landscaping & Water Management (August 8 & 9)--A general overview of creating a base map of your property and designing with native plants. Care of urban trees and basic information on invasive plants. View stormwater best management practices and erosion control measures. Basic information on planning and locating ponds and managing streamside riparian zones.
Stewardship, Recreation, & Liability (August 22 & 23)--Planning trails and roads on your property, plus the basics of land ownership liability and conservation easements. Explore management practices in the field and apply your new knowledge and skills. Finalize your goals and objectives. Graduation ceremony and lunch will follow on Saturday for those who have attended at least three of the four workshops.

Registration
The cost is $50.00 per person per session, with spouse or other family member at $25.00. Registration includes lunch and snacks on the first workshop day as well as workshop-related materials. Reserve your spot for the whole course by registering early! Registration deadline is one week prior to the session desired. Credit toward NC Environmental Education Certification is available, as well as CEU credits. Workshops also count as electives toward the Asheville Board of Realtors ECO Certification. For more information and registration materials, visit www.cradleofforestry.org or contact Amy Garascia, Program Coordinator, at amysworkshopinfo@aol.com or 828-884-5713 ex. 26.

The course is sponsored by: the Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association, North Carolina Division of Forest Resources, NC Cooperative Extension Service, USDA Forest Service Cradle of Forestry in America, NC Arboretum, NCWoodlands, Soil and Water Environmental Technology Center, and Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy.

(Images provided by the Cradle of Forestry.)