Women landowners and natural resource professionals interested in learning more about management and conservation of private lands are invited to attend one of three ForestHer NC workshops, which will be held across North Carolina in August.
The cost to attend a workshop is $25 per person. Pre-registration is required. Workshops will be held on the following dates/locations:
PIEDMONT: Thursday, August 8, 2019 @ 9:30am-3pm
Chatham County Center
1192 US 64 W Business
Pittsboro, NC
Register via EventBrite: aug8fhnc.eventbrite.com
COASTAL: Thursday, August 22, 2019 @ 9:30am-3pm
Lenoir County Center
1791 Hwy 11/55
Kinston, NC
Register via EventBrite: aug22fhnc.eventbrite.com
MOUNTAIN: Thursday, August 29, 2019 @ 9:30am-3pm
Burke County Center
130 Ammons Drive
Morganton, NC
Register via EventBrite: aug29fhnc.eventbrite.com
During the workshops, participants will learn about North Carolina’s forest ecosystems; identify the types of forests they own and/or manage; and understand the role their woodland plays in the greater landscape.
Other topics include defining and balancing multiple land management objectives, obtaining a forest management plan, reading aerial photographs and topo maps, and identifying resources available locally to help with land management.
These three events in August are the first in a series of quarterly workshops offered regionally.
ForestHer NC is a new initiative created by conservation organizations in North Carolina to provide women who are forest landowners with tools and training to help them manage their lands and become more engaged in forest stewardship.
According to the Women Owning Woodlands network and data published in the National Woodland Owners Survey, “the percentage of family forest ownerships where a woman is the primary decision maker doubled from 2006 to 2013. These women make decisions for 44 million acres of America’s family forest land.” In North Carolina, 65% of private forestland is jointly owned by women, yet statistics indicate that women are significantly less likely to attend conventional landowner programs and participate in management activities.
Said Kelly Douglass, a technical assistance biologist with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission:
“Research shows women are starting to have a greater influence on private lands management, which reinforces the need for us to develop a program specifically designed to appeal to women and engage them in conservation practices. We hope this program will foster a sense of community among participants, provide them with an opportunity to learn from others in a positive, encouraging environment, and ultimately help them reach their conservation goals.”
ForestHer NC is sponsored by conservation organizations including the NC Wildlife Commission, US Forest Service, NC Tree Farm Program, NC Forest Service, Audubon North Carolina, Wild Turkey Federation, NC State Extension, and the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is online at www.ncwildlife.org.
To keep up with news regarding ForestHer NC, join the new program’s list serve by emailing foresthernc@gmail.com.
Source: Jodie Owen, NC Wildlife
Ed. Note: Emphasis added.
