Forest Owners Retreat to the Woods   Virginia landowners can learn more about actively managing their woodlands at the 2nd annual western Virginia Forest Landowners’ Retreat. This event will be held July 11-12 at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Center in Abingdon, but the deadline to register is June 24. Natural resource professionals will cover topics such as forest management options for hardwood and white pine; wildlife; non-timber forest products; timber sale planning, and more. “This program provides a good introduction to forest management concepts for those who are new to forest ownership,” said Jennifer Gagnon of Virginia Tech’s Forest Landowner Education Program.  “Weekend retreats have been very successful at engaging landowners with each other in a relaxed learning environment.” A tour showcasing sound forest management practices will be an important part of the program. Ellen Powell, conservation education coordinator with the Virginia Department of Forestry said, “We will use the Channels State Forest and several local properties as our interactive ‘classrooms,’ where people can see how a well-managed forest looks and functions.” Three price options are available for the retreat. The basic fee, which covers meals and Saturday night lodging, is $50 per person or $100 per couple. An option that adds Friday night lodging is $65 per person or $130 per couple. A commuter option, which covers meals only, is $35 per person or $70 per couple. Sponsoring partners for the retreat are Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program. To register online or to download a brochure, visit www.forestupdate.frec.vt.edu. The deadline to register is June 24. For more information, contact Jennifer Gagnon at 540-231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu. Persons with disabilities who desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity may also contact Jennifer during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations, no later than June 24. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

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