The Women Owning Woodlands, a group for women interested in woodland management and care, will be hosting a workshop Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Organized by the Arkansas Forestry Association in partnership with the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, this event provides resources and practical guidance for female landowners.
Attendees will gain expert insights from UAM faculty and staff on strategies for effectively managing forest and wildlife resources and have the chance to network with fellow landowners.
UAM natural resources faculty will cover critical topics including forest health, wildlife management practices, long-term planning for forest markets and estate planning.
Additionally, representatives from the Arkansas Forest Health Center, Arkansas Center for Forest Business and Lion Legal will share information about services and resources available to landowners for forest management.
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The workshop will also include a special demonstration by student leaders from the UAM Forestry Club, showcasing their involvement with timbersports events by providing an axe and knife throwing demonstration.
“Women Owning Woodlands is dedicated to equipping women with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently manage their woodlands, regardless of their prior experience,” said Anna Sparks, AFA director of business and lead organizer for Women Owning Woodlands events. “Our workshops aim to offer tailored educational materials and fosters connections among women woodland owners.”
Michael Blazier, dean of the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, said Women Owning Woodlands serves a vital educational need.
“Women often take on ownership of family forests, and with that comes the need to navigate the legal and tax issues that arise,” Blazier said. ‘To maximize the value of their forestland they also need foundational knowledge in ecologically and economically sound forest management practices and where to find professionals to help them with that management. This workshop provides information in all these areas as part of the programming done by Women Owning Woodlands, and it’s our pleasure to help host it.”
The Women Owning Woodlands program supports women in managing and caring for their woodlands through workshops, educational resources, and peer connections. By empowering women landowners, the program contributes to the sustainable management of forested lands for future generations.
Registration for the workshop is $15 and includes lunch. To register, contact Anna Sparks at (501) 374-2441 or register at https://tinyurl.com/WOWUAM.
Traci Rushing is with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Women Owning Woodlands provides workshops to educate female landowners about the forestry industry and land management. (Special to The Commercial/University of Arkansas at Monticello)