Event gives landowners education, resources to keep woods healthy and productive
BLACKSBURG – On Saturday, Feb. 22, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Forestry will host the 2025 Southwest Landowner Woods & Wildlife Conference in Blacksburg.
The event will be held at the Squires Student Center at Virginia Tech, 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
The conference is for owners of large or small tracts of land; is a one stop/first stop for individuals, families, and managers wanting to learn about woods, wildlife, and other natural resources; provides multiple links to information, sources of assistance, and a better understanding of the natural resources around you; and will explore a myriad of forestry and wildlife issues relevant to owners of woodlands.
Join us as we hear from presenters on topics such as white-nose syndrome in bats, beekeeping, revolutionizing forestry and land reclamation with drone technology, storm effects on trees, ticks, invasive plants, wildlife species of greatest need, using storm damaged wood, identifying and managing common problems of landscape trees, and more.
Early bird registration (before Jan. 15) is $50/person, $90/couple. Regular registration (Jan. 15 and later) is $55/person, $100/couple. Registration fee includes refreshments and a catered lunch. Register and pay online at: https://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/onlineregistration.html.
You may also register by mail using the form on the 2025 Southwest Landowner Woods & Wildlife Conference webpage: https://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/landownerprograms/ConferencesandWorkshops2/WoodsandWildlifeConferences.html.
Meredith Hoggatt, VCE, Montgomery County ANR