Program to Teach Professionals How to Create and Manage Backyard Woodlots

The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension in cooperation with Penn State Cooperative Extension and the Penn State School of Forestry will conduct a program designed to educate green industry professionals about managing backyard forests. “Landscapes and Backyard Woodlots: Business Opportunities for the Green Industry” will take place Thursday, November 11 in Gettysburg, PA at the Adams County Cooperative Extension office.

“Backyard woodlots offer landscapers, arborists and others with significant opportunities to expand the traditional business model,” says Jonathan Kays, natural resources specialist with the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension. “And this program will provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to serve the expanding market in managing and creating backyard woodlots.” Topics will include:

• principles of forest & wildlife management
• establishment and maintenance of small tree plantations
• creating natural areas through natural succession
• invasive species control
• recreational trails,
• wildlife habitat improvement,
• forest health improvements
• merchandizing trees, and
• much more.

PDA and MDA pesticide credits, as well as ISA credits will be awarded to licensed applicators.

Cost of the program is $75 for those who register by November 4, and $95 thereafter. The registration fee covers lunch, program materials, The Woods in Your Backyard workbook and CD (NRAES -184), and break snacks. Pre-registration is required.

For additional information and registration forms, please contact Steve Bogash at 717-263-9226 or smb13@psu.edu. Click on the title link to access the brochure.