The Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program Announces On-Line Woodland Options for Landowners
Why: To gain an understanding of basic woodlot management and to use this understanding to become better land stewards.
Who Should Take this Course:Private woodlot landowners of any acreage; this course is not intended for woodlot owners who have substantial experience working alone or with natural resource professionals in the management of their woods. However, veteran landowners are welcome to enroll and may take the course as a refresher on basic management.Where:On-line, in the comfort of your own home.When:The 12-week course begins Monday, June 1st and runs through August 14, 2009Registration:Now open on-line at: www.valeaf.org or www.cnr.vt.edu/forestupdate; cost: $25 per familyMaterials: All students will receive three books, Common Native Trees of Virginia; Forest Sustainability: The History, the Challenge, the Promise; and Stewardship and Landscape Coordination for Sustainable Forests; and two DVD’s: A Virtual Tour of the Forest; and Invasive Plants of the United States: Identification, Biology and Control; as well as all the on-line reading materials and assignments. In addition, a cadre of Natural Resource Professionals and experienced landowners will serve as mentors for the students, assisting with questions and discussion topics on the course Group Discussion Board. No additional text, materials or costs are required to complete the basic requirements; optional advanced assignments, which you are strongly encouraged to complete, require a dendrology field guide, digital camera, compass with adjustable declination setting, topographic quadrangle map, aerial photograph and soil survey (ordering information for all these supplies will be available in the Announcements section of the course).Computer Requirements:Participants will need a computer, web browser (e.g., Netscape or Explorer), internet service provider (ISP), and e-mail account. Access to a printer is desirable. In addition, participants should download the most current versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 5.0 or newer) and RealOne (look for the free version link), both available free over the internet.If you have additional questions about the course, please contact:Jennifer Gagnon, VFLEP coordinator (540)231-6391 jgagnon@vt.edu
