Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Forestry and the Ballyshannon Fund, will hold their 2nd Annual Landowner Weekend Retreat, "Adding Value to Your Forest," in Appomattox in November.

“We developed this program solely to help private forest landowners reach the objectives they have for their woodland property. Whether they are interested in preserving the beauty of their land, harvesting timber, or enhancing wildlife habitat, this retreat has something for every forest landowner,” said Ellen Powell, conservation education coordinator with the Virginia Department of Forestry. Of Virginia’s 15.8 million forested acres, more than 12 million acres are owned by nearly 400,000 private landowners.

This weekend-long program will focus on forest management activities that can increase the value of private forestland. Topics include land conservation strategies, long-term planning, timber management, appraisals and sales, soil and water protection, wildlife habitat improvements, and non-timber forest products. The program will conclude with a forestry contest, allowing participants to practice what they learned.

The retreat will be held Friday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Holiday Lake 4-H Center in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. Check-in begins Friday at 5 p.m. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration fees of $35 per person or $55 per couple include lodging and meals (dinner Friday night; breakfast, lunch, and dinner Saturday; and breakfast and lunch on Sunday). Participants choosing not to stay overnight pay $25 per person or $35 per couple, which includes all meals.

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