Eastern Virginia landowners can learn more about actively managing their forestlands during the third annual Forest Landowners’ Retreat, to be held Aug. 29-30 at Airfield Conference Center in Wakefield.

Topics will include forest stewardship planning, pine silviculture, timber sales, wildlife management, land conservation options and more. A tour of local forests will showcase management in action.

Sponsoring partners for the retreat are the 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.

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

The cost of the retreat, which covers meals, lodging and materials, is $60 per person or $120 per couple lodging dorm-style, or $150 per couple lodging hotel-style. Because the program starts early on Saturday morning, Friday night lodging can be added for an additional $20 per person or $40 per couple. A commuter option with no lodging is also available for $45 per person or $90 per couple.

To register online or to download a brochure, visit www.forestupdate.frec.vt.edu. The deadline to register is Aug. 14. For more information, contact Jennifer Gagnon at 540-231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.