Final days to register for Working Woodland's conference

Pre-registration required. Registration deadline extended to Friday, October 29th

MFA to Host Landowner Conference on Maryland’s Working Woodlands
November 5 &6, Gaylord National Resort

Maryland Forests Association’s 34^th Annual Conference , Friday and Saturday, November 5 and 6, 2010 will be held at the Gaylord National Conference Center in spectacular National Harbor just outside Washington, DC. MFA’s Annual Conference is the place for forest landowners, natural resource professionals, and forestry advocates to gather for networking, learning, and fellowship. This year’s event includes outstanding educational sessions, an exciting field trip to nearby Myrtle Gove Wildlife Management Area, and a unique and inspiring Keynote presentation on the Living Memorials of 9/11.

We all depend on a natural resource that has been around forever; a resource having components with life cycles measured in years, decades and even centuries. How it is managed DOES make a difference. Saturday’s educational sessions will focus on Maryland’s working woodlands. Participants will learn about the benefits managed woodlands provide, how to keep woodlands healthy and productive, and what programs are available to help landowners. From the mountains of western Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay, managing even a few acres of woodland is good for people, wildlife and waterways. In addition, state and national leaders in forest and natural resource management will present updates on issues of concern and take questions from the audience. Panelists include Maryland State Forester Steve Koehn, Maryland State Conservationist Jon Hall, and Michael T. Goergen Jr. of the Society of American Foresters. Continuing education credits will be offered for professional loggers, foresters and arborists.

The Friday evening awards banquet keynote, Healing Landscapes: The Living Memorials of 9/11, will be presented by Erika Svendsen of the US Forest Service Northern Research Station and the New York City Urban Field Station. With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 just a year away, Svendsen will share the extraordinary stories behind a few of the thousands of “Living Memorials” that were created to commemorate the tragic events of 9/11.

For participants who would like to get out in the woods, a guided field trip to Myrtle Gove Wildlife Management Area in nearby Charles County is offered. Located in the forested bottomlands of Mattawoman Creek, Myrtle Gove WMA was once home to the Piscataway Indians. The 1,723-acre tract contains hardwood forests, wildlife plantings, natural and man-made wetlands, and early succession habitats that provide critical habitat for all types of wildlife.

Networking is always a big part of the MFA Annual Conference experience, as landowners and forestry professionals mingle to meet old friends, make new acquaintances, and share information and ideas. As always, the 2010 program will include plenty of time for networking, plus a variety of exhibits to provide additional inspiration and education.

The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor will provide a spectacular setting for the 2010 Annual Conference. National Harbor offers a wonderful array of shopping, dining and entertainment alternatives; add to that the many options in nearby Washington DC, and there is truly something for everyone. Spouses and families are welcomed and spouse tickets for the Friday evening Banquet can be purchased with Conference registration.

Maryland Forests Association warmly welcomes woodland owners, forestry professionals, and anyone interested in the future of Maryland’s forests and woodlands to join us for our 2010 Annual Conference. Registration deadline is October 22^nd. For more information about the conference contact: MFA Executive Director Karin Miller, director@mdforests.org or call the MFA office at 301-895-5369.