The Walnut Council Annual Meeting typically features tree farm tours along with an indoor conference of presentations on hardwood management and landowner issues. Fee: $200. For more information contact Liz Jackson at (765) 496-5013 or walnutcouncil@gmail.com.
Invasive Plant Management Workshop at the Blount County Extension Office, 6700 County Road 1, Cleveland. Learn to identify, prevent, and control invasive plants while using non-invasive and native alternatives. Fee: $25. For more information contact Norm Haley at (256) 574-2143 or nvh0001@aces.edu.
Natural Regeneration Techniques in Pine at the Pontotoc Extension Office, 402 C.J. Hardin Jr. Drive. Speaker: Brady Self. For more information or to RSVP, call the Pontotoc Extension at (662) 489-3910.
Pearl River-Stone County Forestry Association Meeting at Bill’s Catfish & Steak. Topic: Jones College Forestry Program. Speaker: Kennedy Brooks. Dutch treat lunch. For more information, call the Stone County Extension Office at (601) 928-5286.
Alabama Farm & Land Conference in Mobile. The conference will feature an array of ag and forestry topics and tours. Fee: Variable. For more information email Anna Rackliffe at arackliffe@alfafarmers.org.
Board Meeting of Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust in the Goldenrod Room at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, 1155 Lodge Drive, Guntersville. This meeting will provide an opportunity for any individual who would like to make comments concerning the program. The public is invited to attend this meeting and is urged to submit comments. For more information call Ashley Peters at (334) 353-7878. Editor’s Note: Here are some questions you may consider asking yourself and others. Is recreation a necessary state government provided service? Does the state need more public land to compete with recreational opportunities (many of which are already) provided by private forestland owners? Who is the more appropriate steward of forestland, government or private owners?
Brown Spot Needle Blight and Pine Health in the Southeastern U.S. will be presented via Zoom webinar. Once mainly a concern for longleaf pine, Brown Spot Needle Blight is now a threat to loblolly pine across the Southeast. This webinar will cover the disease’s distribution, how to recognize symptoms, and practical strategies to protect pine health throughout the region. For more information contact Annakay Newell at (334) 844-8069 or ada0037@auburn.edu.
Prescribed (Rx) Fire for Landowners at the Scott County Extension Office, 230 South Davis Street. Speaker: Paul Tadlock. For more information or to RSVP, call the Extension Office at (601) 469-4241.
Special Primary Election for Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7. There will be no runoff.
Land Management Workshop at Bevill State Community College, Wade Math & Science Building, 14th Street East, Jasper. Topics will include: Safety in the Woods; Carbon Program; Prescribed Burning; BMPs; Forest Insect Pests of Alabama; Managing for Wildlife; and more. Advanced registration is required. For more information or to register, call Stacy at (205) 387-1879×3204.
AFOA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
CAPITAL IDEAS LIVE – A News Conference for Forest Owners.
This 15 minute telephone/Internet conference will feature state & national experts, researchers & authors on breaking issues, current research, can’t-miss educational events, books & publications, timber market update and more. To listen live call AFOA to register at (205) 624-2225.
Listen on the web via podcast: Click Here. This will become a link once the program is finished and available.
Click Here for Index to Past Conferences.
Alternative Sources of Income from Timberland at the Lowndes County Extension Office, 485 Tom Rose Road. Speakers: James Shannon and Dave Godwin. For more information or to RSVP, call (662) 328-2111.
AFOA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Dinner and Discussion at The Anvil Pub & Grill, 611 Doug Baker Boulevard, Suite 103, Hoover. The Anvil Pub is near Tazikis. No-host dinner at 6 PM followed by a short program. Meet and talk with other forest landowners in a casual setting. Limited seating. To attend, RSVP AFOA at (205) 624-2225 or info@afoa.org.
If Prescribed Fire is Not an Option will be presented via Zoom. Some lands and their managers face constraints in applying prescribed fire, but other tools and techniques are available for timber and habitat management. Join to learn more about these techniques & vegetative response to management beyond fire. For more information contact Norm Haley at (256) 574-2143 or nvh0001@aces.edu.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is open to residents of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Learn more about insects and provide data to a group that studies the economic value of pollination. For more information go to the website at gsepc.org.
Shotgun 101 at State Shooting Range Shelby, 19208 Highway 25, Columbiana. The Shotgun 101 class is designed for beginners to intermediate shooters. Topics include safe handling and storage of firearms, the types and parts of shotguns, marksmanship, and live fire on moving clay targets. Class sizes are limited. A Wildlife Heritage License, current Hunting License, or Wildlife Management Area License is required. There are many other class dates and locations available. For more information or to register, call (334) 242-3620.
International Woodworking Fair (IWF) at the Georgia World Congress Center. The IWF is one of the top woodworking trade shows for furniture manufacturing, architectural woodwork, and custom and general woodworking industries. Fee: $50; $25 discount if paid by July 31. For more information contact IWF at (404) 693-8333 or showinfo@iwfatlanta.com.
Fire Weather at Tall Timbers, 13093 Henry Beadel Drive. Topics will focus on fire weather principles. Speakers will cover Florida and Georgia requirements, interpreting weather conditions, predicting fire behavior, and making informed go/no-go decisions when burning your property. Lunch provided. For more information email Jeremy Martin at jmartin@talltimbers.org.
Deadline for Accepting Century & Heritage Farm & Bicentennial Farm Applications. To find out if your farm meets the qualifications for the 2026 C & H Farm program or Bicentennial Farm program or to receive an application, contact Amy Belcher at (334) 240-7126 or amy.belcher@agi.alabama.gov.
Traditional Hunter Education Course at Revive Outdoors Ministry, 6370 South Chalkville Road, Unit 201, Trussville. No fee. This is a one day class. Lunch at 12 Noon. Bring any drinks/snacks you may need. To register, call Hans Keasler at (205) 746-2119. Successfully completing an approved hunter education course is mandatory for all non-supervised Alabama hunting license buyers born on or after August 1, 1977. There are some exceptions. There are other courses being taught at various locations and dates as well as online only courses. If you have additional questions, call the Hunter Education office at 1-800-245-2740.
Heirs Property Workshop at the Winfield Community Center, 400 Community Street, Winfield. Learn what heirs property really means, why it impacts families, and how communities can take action to protect land, preserve ownership, and prevent future conflict. Meal provided. For more information contact Carla Lewis at (205) 712-7449 or cll0031@auburn.edu.
Chainsaw Safety Course at Sheriff Building, 17256 Jordan Street, Chatom. This 2-day course will include information on personal protection equipment, the proper way to operate a chainsaw, and will also include hands on demonstrations. For more information contact Jessica Baldwin at (334) 752-1194 or jmb0276@auburn.edu.
Florida Forestry Association (FFA) Annual Meeting & Trade Show at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. Fee: $TBD. For more information contact FFA at (850) 222-5646 or krista@flforestry.org.
Reptile and Amphibian Response to Forest Management will be presented via Zoom. Presenter: William Sutton, Tennessee State University. For more information contact Norm Haley at (256) 574-2143 or nvh0001@aces.edu.
Tennessee Forestry Association Annual Convention at the Sheraton Music City. Fee: $TBD. For more information contact Dana Howard at (615) 883-3832 or dhoward@tnforestry.com.
Five Minutes in the Forest – Clues to Land Use History. This event will be held via YouTube Premier. For more information contact Jennifer Gagnon at (540) 231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.
Tap in to the Southeast Silviculture Library (SESL) will be presented via Microsoft Teams. The SESL is an online repository of demonstration or scientific studies highlighting forest management approaches in our region. This is a place where you can find examples of the types of management you might like to try on your own property and potentially visit them. For more information contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu.
ForestHer Workshop: Legacy of the Longleaf at the Fort Mitchell Historic Site in Fort Mitchell. A day of connection, learning, and hands-on experience focused on the longleaf pine ecosystem. The day concludes with an optional (additional fee) guided pine needle basketmaking class, celebrating tradition and craft. Fee: $10; lunch included. For more information contact Ashley Smith at (334) 481-2137 or asmith@alaforestry.org.
Alabama Water Resources Conference at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. This conference is a forum for the water resources community. Fee: $545; $50 discount if paid by August 4. For more information contact AU Water Resources Center at (888) 844-4785 or wrc@auburn.edu. Editor’s Note: It could benefit landowners to stay informed on water resources and their watersheds that may impact forestry activities.
Wild Game Cook-Off at Rival Feed Seed Outdoors, 613 Fairgrounds Road, Muscle Shoals. Attend the cook-off and enjoy live music, door prizes, youth activities, and sample wild game recipes. Fee: $50 for up to 2 adults. Youth 15 and under free. For more information call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at (800) 822-9453.
Forestry & Logging Workshop at the Lawrence Mill Community Center, 490 SR-129, Fayette. Topics will include: Consulting Forestry Update; Timber Markets; Forestry Ethics; Seedlings, Genetics, Plantings, Density; Forestry BMPs; Prescribed Fire; and Wildlife Management. Fee: $10; lunch provided. For more information or to register, contact Ronni Brasher at (205) 932-8941 or rrb0006@auburn.edu.
Five Minutes in the Forest – Grade this Log. This event will be held via YouTube Premier. For more information contact Adam Downing at (540) 948-6881 or adowning@vt.edu.
Traditional Hunter Education Course at the Community Center, 635 Armory Road, Centre. No fee. This is a one day class. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. T-shirt and hunter orange cap provided to each participant. To register, call Katie Burks at (205) 928-0432. Successfully completing an approved hunter education course is mandatory for all non-supervised Alabama hunting license buyers born on or after August 1, 1977. There are some exceptions. There are other courses being taught at various locations and dates as well as online only courses. If you have additional questions, call the Hunter Education office at 1-800-245-2740.
Wild Hog Workshop at the Weogufka Center for Arts, Entertainment, and Education, 145 Memorial Loop, Weogufka. Attend this workshop for informative sessions on trapping and processing wild pigs. Also, learn about herbs that pair well with pork and safe food preparation. Free admission for ages 12 and under. Fee: $10. For more information contact Dani Reams at (256) 368-1694 or acr0087@aces.edu.
Learn How To Hunt Alabama at the Swan Creek WMA in Tanner. This is a hands-on workshop designed to equip both new and experienced hunters with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully access, explore, and hunt on public and private lands across Alabama. Participants will gain practical, hands-on experience in areas such as: Scouting deer habitat; Firearm use and range safety; Setting up and using blinds and tree stands; Bowhunting techniques and archery practice; and Tools and methods for deer recovery and processing. There are other class dates and locations available. For more information email Brandon Holloway at brandon.holloway@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Forestry Jobs Camp at Natchez Trace State Park, 24845 Natchez Trace Road. This hands-on, overnight camp gives high school students the chance to explore careers in forestry, from logging and sawmilling to wildlife and land management. Participants will tour active job sites, meet professionals in the field, and dive into the real-world side of natural resource careers. For more information contact Megan Carpenter at (615) 487-2704 or forestry.camps@tn.gov.
Alabama Forestry Association Annual Meeting at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. Fee: $550; $55 discount if paid by August 8. For more information contact Liz Chambers at (334) 481-2135 or lchambers@alaforestry.org.
Forest Health Update will be presented via Zoom Webinar. This virtual short course aims to provide updates on recent disturbances to wildlife and forests; including an update on forestry best management practices (BMPs); pest and disease outbreaks associated with hurricane damaged timber stands; an update on CWD in Georgia and how you can use trail cameras to monitor deer populations; and an update on the impacts of the recent screwworm outbreak on native wildlife. Fee: $120. For more information contact James Johnson at (706) 308-6396 or jtj59884@uga.edu.
Wild Game Cook-Off at the Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. Attend the cook-off and enjoy live music, door prizes, youth activities, and sample wild game recipes. Fee: $50 for up to 2 adults. Youth 15 and under free. For more information call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at (800) 822-9453.
Estate Planning Basics Workshop at the Cullman County Extension Office, 1714 Tally Ho Street, Cullman. Wills, trusts, heirs property, and more. Come learn the basics of estate planning so you can leave your land, farm, home, and other assets in good hands. Open to anyone interested in estate planning topics. For more information contact Kira Sims at (256) 737-9386 or kira.sims@auburn.edu.
Five Minutes in the Forest – The Virtual Forest. This event will be held via YouTube Premier. For more information contact Jennifer Gagnon at (540) 231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.
Small Scale Forestry Expo at Bland County Fairgrounds, 13 Fair Grounds Street. The expo will feature tools and services you need to manage your woodlot, including modern attachments, safety gear, and expert consulting. See the latest compact equipment from mini excavators to portable sawmills. For more information call (800) 218-5586.
Southern Christmas Tree Association Annual Meeting will feature a Christmas tree farm tour at Lazy Acres Farm Fun. For more information contact Michael Buchart at (225) 505-6335 or sctaes@gmail.com.
Invasive Grasses of the Southeast will be presented via Zoom. In this webinar, Chris Evans will discuss the biology, impact, and management of some commonly found invasive grass species including cogongrass, Johnsongrass, Japanese stiltgrass, and miscanthus. Learn more about the impact these grasses have on forested landscapes and what can be done to manage them. If you need assistance connecting to the webinar email contact@sref.info.
Five Minutes in the Forest – Hunting Safety. This event will be held via YouTube Premier. For more information contact Jennifer Gagnon at (540) 231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.
Handgun 101 at Swan Creek WMA Range, 21453 Harris Station Road, Tanner. The Handgun 101 class is designed for beginners to intermediate shooters. It is perfect for those who want to learn more about firearm safety, firearm mechanics, and target shooting in a safe environment with certified firearms instructors. Class sizes are limited. A Wildlife Heritage License, current Hunting License, or Wildlife Management Area License is required. There are many other class dates and locations available. For more information or to register, call (334) 242-3620.
Timber Market Analysis will be presented via Zoom Webinar. This class walks through the process to understand, track, and analyze the price, demand, supply, and competitive dynamics of local timber markets and wood baskets. Instructors: Dr. Brooks Mendell, Amanda Lang, and Shawn Baker. Fee: $650; $100 discount if paid by September 16. For more information contact Heather Clark at (770) 725-8447 or hsclark@forisk.com.
Landowner Tour at 2096 County Road 14, Union Springs. Fee: $5. For more information contact Bullock County Extension at (334) 738-2580 or ksk0040@auburn.edu.
Five Minutes in the Forest – Deer-resistant Trees & Shrubs. This event will be held via YouTube Premier. For more information contact Jennifer Gagnon at (540) 231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) at the Alabama 4-H Center on Lay Lake near Columbiana. Participants choose from over 50 courses such as: backyard wildlife, rock climbing, camp cooking, map and compass, camping, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, bird watching, shooting sports, and many more. For women 18 years or older. Courses are held rain or shine. Registration opens August 3 for first-time participants and August 10 for returning participants. Fee: $325; includes meals and dorm-style lodging. For more information contact Katie Burks at (334) 242-3620 or katie.burks@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Shotgun 101 at State Shooting Range Shelby, 19208 Highway 25, Columbiana. The Shotgun 101 class is designed for beginners to intermediate shooters. Topics include safe handling and storage of firearms, the types and parts of shotguns, marksmanship, and live fire on moving clay targets. Class sizes are limited. A Wildlife Heritage License, current Hunting License, or Wildlife Management Area License is required. There are many other class dates and locations available. For more information or to register, call (334) 242-3620.
Forestry for Non-Foresters at Flinchum’s Phoenix, Whitehall Forest, 650 Phoenix Road. This course will be especially useful for landowners and those who work with foresters and the forest industry such as forestry agencies, associations, forestry investment firms, real estate investment trusts and banking institutions with forest investments. Part of the course experience is outside. Fee: $400; $50 discount if paid by September 22. For more information contact James Johnson at (706) 308-6396 or jtj59884@uga.edu.
Five Minutes in the Forest – Tulip (Yellow) Poplar Milling. This event will be held via YouTube Premier. For more information contact Jennifer Gagnon at (540) 231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.
Rifle 101 at Swan Creek WMA Range, 21453 Harris Station Road, Tanner. The Rifle 101 class is designed for beginners. Topics include safe handling and storage of firearms, the parts of bolt action and semi-automatic rifles, marksmanship, and live fire on paper and steel targets. Class sizes are limited. A Wildlife Heritage License, current Hunting License, or Wildlife Management Area License is required. There are many other class dates and locations available. For more information or to register, call (334) 242-3620.
Herbicide Symptomology in Forest Settings will be presented via Zoom. Dr. Brady Self, Mississippi State University, will discuss herbicide damage recognition, impacts, and ways to prevent it in forest settings. If you need assistance connecting to the webinar email contact@sref.info.
Fall Landowner Tour at Turtle Creek, 1277 County Road 508, Marbury. Topics will include: pond management; fields and forests; drones/invasives; prescribed burn; and wildlife safaris. Registration required. Fee: $20. For more information contact Brian Smith at (205) 312-1329 or brian.smith@forestry.alabama.gov.
Traditional Hunter Education Course at the Pell City Police Department, 305 19th Street South, Pell City. No fee. This is a one day class. Bring any food, drinks, and snacks you may need. To register, call Hans Keasler at (205) 746-2119. Successfully completing an approved hunter education course is mandatory for all non-supervised Alabama hunting license buyers born on or after August 1, 1977. There are some exceptions. There are other courses being taught at various locations and dates as well as online only courses. If you have additional questions, call the Hunter Education office at (800) 245-2740.
Learn How To Hunt Alabama at the Choccolocco WMA in Piedmont. This is a hands-on workshop designed to equip both new and experienced hunters with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully access, explore, and hunt on public and private lands across Alabama. Participants will gain practical, hands-on experience in areas such as: Scouting deer habitat; Firearm use and range safety; Setting up and using blinds and tree stands; Bowhunting techniques and archery practice; and Tools and methods for deer recovery and processing. There are other class dates and locations available. For more information email Brandon Holloway at brandon.holloway@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Biennial Longleaf Conference at Williamsburg Lodge, 310 S England Street. The conference will presentations on how longleaf forests remain vital to our modern economies, communities, and natural world. Fee: $650; $75 discount if paid by August 15. For more information call The Longleaf Alliance at (334) 427-1029.
Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition – The EXPO showcases the latest products and services for the wood products industry. Attendee registration will open soon. Fee: $TBD. For more information contact Eric Gee at (504) 443-4464×3 or egee@sfpa.org.