Maryland Training Programs
The University of Maryland Extension's Woodland Stewardship Education program offers a variety of webinars, workshops, publications and educational programs for woodland owners, natural resource professionals, and interested citizens across Maryland. Please consider attending one of these offerings. Additional events are listed on the Event Calendar at http://extension.umd.edu/woodland.
The Woods in Your Backyard Online Course
This new self-paced, non-credit course runs 10 weeks from September 5th to November 21st, 2016. 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. The course 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. The use of online discussion groups will allow participants to interact with others taking the course. For this premier offering, the course is a special $85.00, which includes the 108-page “Woods In Your Backyard” guide, workbook, and a tree identification guide. To read more about the course, including seeing sample pages and how to register.
Deer Hunting 101
August 19th, 2016 from 1:00 to 4:30 PM.
This workshop is part of the popular Forestry Friday series and is intended for landowners and other individuals interested in learning about hunting deer on their property. Many woodland owners and family members have an interest in hunting deer but do not have the experience or background to do so. This workshop will help novice hunters and shooters feel more comfortable with deer hunting. The workshop is a cooperative effort between the Woodland Stewardship Education program and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife & Heritage Service. Topics will include deer ecology & management, landowner liability, firearms and hunting safety, as well as a field session. The cost is $5.00 per person. For more information, including how to register, go to here.
Invasive Plant ID
September 3rd, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Join Calvert County Master Gardeners at the county extension office for a workshop that will help you identify invasive plant species commonly found in landscaped and natural areas. Hands-on demonstrations will include cut samples from live plants. There will also be an outdoor activity that will enable you to put your new skills to the test. The workshop is free of charge, and may run a bit longer than three hours. For more information, go to here.
The Woods in Your Backyard Workshop
September 29th, 2016 and October 6, 2016 (consecutive Thursday evenings), 6:30 - 9:00 PM.
The University of Maryland Extension and the Howard County Forestry Board will host a "Woods in Your Backyard" workshop over two consecutiveThursday evenings at the Maryland Extension office in Ellicott City, MD. This workshop is designed for landowners with 1-10 acres who wish to learn about getting more out of their land, converting lawn to woodland, habitat management, and much more. Class sessions will feature presentations by foresters, arborists, landscape designers, and Master Naturalists. The cost for both evenings is $25.00 per person or $30.00 per couple. For more information and how to register, go here.