Eastern Virginia landowners can learn more about actively managing their forestlands during the Beginning Landowners’ Weekend Retreat, which will be held Aug. 26-28 at the Airfield Conference Center in Wakefield.

Discussion topics will include forest stewardship planning, pine silviculture, timber sales, wildlife management, forest health and more. Participants will also tour Big Woods State Forest to see the benefits of active forest management.

The cost of the retreat, which covers meals, lodging and educational materials, is $145 per person or $250 per couple. A commuter option that doesn’t include lodging is available for $65 per person or $110 per couple. The deadline to register is Aug. 12, 2016.

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 landownership,” 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 the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program. “The weekend retreat format also enables people to share their experiences with other landowners.”

To register online or to download a brochure, visit forestupdate.frec.vt.edu. For more information, contact Jennifer Gagnon at (540) 231-6391 or by email at jgagnon@vt.edu.