As a woodland owner you have a unique perspective and status that allows you to help other woodland owners in your area. Your existing skills are enhanced by educational resources available through Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell’s ForestConnect program. Learn how to merge your skills with existing resources so you can be a volunteer that helps other woodland owners more thoroughly enjoy and manage their property. You are invited to the annual training for Cornell’s Master Forest Owner (MFO) volunteers. MFO volunteers work through Cornell Cooperative Extension to visit woodland owners in their county and direct them towards resources that help them manage their woodlands. This training is open for new volunteers and previously trained volunteers seeking a refresher.
Restrictions associated with covid-19 have shifted the training to a hybrid format. Participants will join in 7 weekly online sessions via Zoom, and subsequently meet in person for a one-day field session at locations around the state in early to mid-June. Online sessions are 6:30 – 7:30PM are Wednesdays March 23 through May 4. In addition to 2 orientation sessions, 5 technical content sessions provided to participants will include: woodland ecology and health, wildlife and habitat, interfering vegetation management, silviculture, and agroforestry. Participants should plan to spend 3-4 hours per week learning technical content via guided online learning and spend an hour per week in a live interactive discussion session.
All woodland owners in NY are welcome. Owners interested in becoming a volunteer should start the process here (link). The fee is $35 per person and $50 per couple which includes the full training and supplies and resources provided at the field session. Previously trained volunteers are also welcome at $18/person and $25/couple.
|
