University of Minnesota Extension Forestry is pleased to offer a new education program for private forest landowners. Geared for owners with 20 acres or more of wooded land, this year’s course will focus on issues landowners face in Minnesota’s eastern broadleaf forest.
Commitment
We are committed to providing quality landowner education that is affordable. That's why this year-long class has a total investment of only $295. Classes meet online and in person, and will follow a cohort model.
Online
Online topics will be offered as a series of month-long, self-paced modules with exercises and group discussions. Students will receive an email on the first Thursday of the month letting them know that the next module is open, and introducing the topic and objectives of that module.
In-Person
Participants will also be expected to attend three in-person sessions throughout the year.
The first in-person session will be held in conjunction with Gathering Partners of Natural Resources, an annual conference co-sponsored by the University of Minnesota Extension Forestry and Minnesota Master Naturalist programs. This year Gathering Partners will be held May 20-22 in Winona, Minnesota. Attendance on Saturday, May 21 is mandatory, and encouraged on Friday and Sunday but not required.
The second in-person session will be an all-day field tour in the fall of 2016. Registered participants will work with course instructors to pick a date and location that works best for everyone.
The third in-person session will be a gathering and graduation in spring 2017. Participants will work with course instructors to pick a date and location that works best for everyone.
Participants are also encouraged to attend next year's Gathering Partners conference in May 2017. Buidling on their knowledge gained during the course of the program, the newly minted Master Woodland Owners will serve as mentors for the incoming class.
Curriculum and Objectives
After completing the Master Woodland Owner program, participants will be able to:
- consider the different reasons and ways to manage their woods
- identify common trees and invasive plants
- map their property and conduct a woodland inventory
- find and talk with natural resources professionals
- select appropriate trees and know how to plant them
- develop and refine goals for their property
- discuss financial considerations of land ownership (including tax incentives and estate planning) with their family and financial/tax advisors
- serve as a mentor to other private woodland owners
Registration
The University of Minnesota employs two different registration systems, one for courses and one for conferences. Because Master Woodland Owner includes both course and conference components, participants will be asked to complete registrations in each system.
Conference Registration
Registration for the Gathering Partners of Natural Resources conference is required, and a prerequisite of registering for the course.
Gathering Partners is a collaboration between University of Minnesota Extension Forestry and the Minnesota Master Naturalist program. It is a 3-day event being held May 20-22 in Winona, and will offer educational opportunities and networking to over 300 people from across Minnesota.
Master Woodland Owners classes will be held in-person on Saturday, May 21 at the conference. Attendance on Friday and Sunday is encouraged but not required.
Cost for Saturday-only registration is $100. You may choose to add additional days and field trips during registration for an additional fee. Be sure to select Master Woodland Owner as the registration type.
REGISTER HERE FOR GATHERING PARTNERS!
Course Registration
Once you are registered for Gathering Partners, you may register for the online course component of the program. Cost for online course registration is $195.
Additional members of the same household or co-owners of the same property are eligible to receive a discounted registration for the course. Discount codes must be used at time of registration, and cannot be applied retroactively. Contact Emily Dombeck at mnwoods@umn.edu or call 612-624-6709 for the discount code and registration instructions.