Agriculture News

March 4, 2019

Private woodland owners can learn wildlife stewardship skills at short course

Woodland Charlotte Owings, Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment project coordinator, talks with a group about some of the results from on-going forestry and wildlife research in southern Indiana. Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A June workshop will provide Indiana's private woodland owners with the information and skills needed to implement management practices to benefit the wide range of wildlife species that call those forests home.

The Woodland Wildlife Steward workshop will be June 7-9 at Morgan-Monroe State Forest in Martinsville, Indiana. Purdue University Extension is hosting the program in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry, and Fish and Wildlife; National Wild Turkey Federation; and Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation.

About 3.5 million acres – or 73 percent – of Indiana's forestland is privately owned by individuals, making the management of these areas important for wildlife, said Jarred Brooke, a Purdue Extension wildlife specialist and workshop organizer.

"Woodland owners attending this workshop will get an immersive wildlife experience that merges scientifically based information with hands-on experiences," Brooke said. "Attendees will come away not only with information to make them better stewards of their land, but also the ability to become ambassadors of forest and wildlife stewardship in their communities."

The workshop will cover various aspects of wildlife ecology and the relationship between wildlife and forest stewardship. Those attending will participate in indoor presentations and activities, outdoor field exercises, and site visits. There also will be opportunities to network with natural resource professionals and other landowners.

The Woodland Wildlife Steward workshop begins at noon Eastern time on June 7 and runs through 3 p.m. on June 9. It will take place at the Morgan-Monroe State Forest Training Center, 6220 Forest Road, Martinsville. Workshop enrollment is limited to 30 landowners, and limited lodging for participants is available on site.

All workshop fees include electronic copies of course materials and transportation to and from field sites. Meals included in the workshop fee are breakfast and lunch on June 8 and June 9, and dinner on June 7 and June 8.

Workshop fees are as follows:

* Traveler, $150. In addition to workshop materials and meals, this fee includes lodging at Morgan-Monroe State Forest that consists of rooms with one set of bunk beds, a communal kitchen area, and shower and restroom facilities.

* Local, $100.

* Family member, $50. One additional family member may attend at this rate with another registered participant. The fee includes all workshop materials and meals, as well as lodging if attending the workshop with someone registered as a traveler.

The deadline to compete a workshop application is May 1, and those accepted will be notified on or shortly after the deadline. Workshop information and a link to apply are available at https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/calendar/woodland-wildlife-steward/. Those with additional questions can contact Brooke at 765-494-8459 or jmbrooke@purdue.edu.

Media contact: Maureen Manier, Purdue Agricultural Communication, mmanier@purdue.edu

Source: Jarred Brooke, 765-494-8459, jmbrooke@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;

Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu  

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