Eastern Virginia landowners can learn more about actively managing their forestlands during the annual Beginning Forest Landowners’ Retreat, to be held Sept. 22-24 at New Kent Forestry Center near Providence Forge.

Topics will include forest stewardship planning, pine management, timber sales, wildlife management, basic forestry skills and more. A tour of nearby properties will showcase forest management in action.

Sponsoring partners for the retreat are Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program.

“This program provides a great introduction to forest management issues, especially for those new to land ownership,” said Ellen Powell of the Virginia Department of Forestry.

“We use a combination of classroom and field sessions, taught by experts, to get participants fully engaged in learning,” said Jennifer Gagnon of Virginia Tech’s Forest Landowner Education Program. “The weekend retreat format also enables people to share their experiences with other landowners.”

Full retreat registration, including materials, meals and lodging, is $95 per person or $190 per couple. For those who live nearby, a commuter option, with materials and meals only, is $55 per person or $110 per couple.

To register online or to download a mail-in brochure, visit www.forestupdate.frec.vt.edu. The deadline to register is Sept. 8. For more information, contact Jennifer Gagnon at 540-231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.

Persons with disabilities who need any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity may also contact Gagnon during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations, no later than Sept. 8. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.