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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State Extension will offer "Woodland Stewardship: Guided Engagement with Your Land," an online course designed to teach participants about forests and how to take care of them.
In Pennsylvania, private forest landowners own 11.5 million acres, almost 70% of the forests. Research indicates that most woodland owners in Pennsylvania genuinely aim to manage their land responsibly. However, they see their main obstacle as a lack of knowledge and information, according to organizers.
The course will open Sept. 16, with five live discussions occurring from 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 23, Oct. 7 and 21, and Nov. 4 and 18.
In this educator-guided course, participants will learn about woodland stewardship through a combination of educational videos and short readings. Educators will share practical, hands-on skills, as well as “big picture” concepts related to woodland management that can be applied in real-world situations.
Individuals can check learning with quick, ungraded questions, and download and print the handouts that accompany this course.
Among other topics, participants will learn:
-- The importance of forests and the need for woodland stewardship.
-- Forest management techniques.
-- Tree identification.
-- How to measure the diameter, height and volume of trees.
-- How to collect field data on a forest stand.
-- How to develop legacy plans for the future of forest health.
-- How to develop a detailed map of woodland.
-- How to create the foundation for engaging a professional to help manage woodlots.
Organizers noted that registration is required for a fee. Participants must register for the course by Sept. 23.
More information about the course is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu//woodland-stewardship-course.