Four respected organizations (HVNC, MOFGA, Maine Farmland Trust, and Maine Forest Service) are coming together to present “Women and Their Woods,” an informative program for women on managing their woodlands.

On Thursday, May 8, this all-day event will educate and encourage women on stewardship considerations and business aspects of woodland management and ownership. The goal of the program is to increase the number of women woodland owners who are aware of the options for caring for their forestland.

The workshop is hosted by Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. One of HVNC’s primary missions is to practice and encourage sustainable forestry. The American Tree Farm System awarded its “Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year” award to Hidden Valley Nature Center, largely for its exemplary forestry practices and educational programs. The group will tour HVNC’s forests and practices.

Women and Their Woods is designed to help women hone their vision and goals for management practices and to familiarize themselves with the many resources available. During the course of this workshop women will:

• Practice setting woodland objectives, and determining the steps needed to realize those objectives
• Learn about the roles of landowners, foresters and loggers
• Observe several actively managed stands and compare the management goals
• Review and assess real forest management plans
• Network and build relationships with other women managers and forestry professionals

The Low Impact Forestry Project at Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association educates, practices, and advocates for ecologically based and economically sound forest practices.

Maine Farmland Trust is leading the efforts of farmers, landowners, local land trusts, farm groups, towns and state agencies collaborating to keep Maine’s productive agricultural land available for farming now and in the future. Since most farms in Maine include forestland, MFT is pleased to be part of this program.

The key to Maine's quality of life and economic prosperity is permanently linked to the condition of the State's forest resources. The Maine Forest Service works to ensure that the trees and forest lands of Maine continue to provide benefits for present and future generations. MFS staff will be among the presenters.

The fee for the day is $60 ($50 for HVNC and MOFGA members) including lunch and materials. Some scholarships are available.

For more information: www.hvnc.org, 207-200-8840, or info@hvnc.org.