Each weekend of January…Marshall County.
Eagle Awareness Weekends. Location: Lake Guntersville State Park. This program has been so popular they have added the first and second weekends of February as well. Watch Bald Eagles glide across the sky and view their nesting sites. Guided interpretive programs held each weekend will help you get in touch with one of America’s greatest symbols. Call Lake Guntersville State Park for pricing at (256) 571-5445.

January 10...Jefferson County 6 PM.
Alabama Quail Hunters Meeting. Location: Black Jack's Grill on Acton Road, Birmingham. Topic: Creating wildlife habitat and Chemical herbicide application methods and technology. Speaker: Michelle Isenberg, Custom Air, LLC. Dutch Treat dinner from menu. Call Frank Harris at (205) 424-1381.

January 11...Crestview, Florida 9 AM - 3 PM CT.
Invasive Exotic Plants and Their Control. Location: Okaloosa County Extension Office, 5479 Old Bethel Road. Fee: $10; lunch included. Call Okaloosa County Extension Office at (850) 689-5850.

January 11...Teleconference 9 AM - Noon ET.
Forestry Wildlife Management. Multiple locations in North Carolina. Fee: $50; $15 discount if paid by January 5. Call Kelley McCarter at (919) 515-9563.

January 12-14...Albany, Georgia.
Quail Unlimited Annual Conservation Celebrity Event. Location: Merry Acres Hotel. Bid on a 2 day quail hunt with celebrities along with 3 evening socials or just attend the evening socials. Starting bid for hunters: $3500. Fee: $350; for attending evening socials only. Call Tonya, Quail Unlimited, at (229) 883-3209.

January 17...Lee County 6 PM - 8 PM.
Regional Landowner Meeting. Location: CAT Training Center, 6155 Heath Road, Auburn. Fee: $10 non-members, $5 AFA members. Dinner included. Call Liz Chambers, Alabama Forestry Association (AFA), at (334) 481-2135.

AFOA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

January 18, 2012...Nationwide 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM (Central Time).
CAPITAL IDEAS -- LIVE!
News Conference for Forest Owners.
This 30 minute telephone/Internet conference featured state & national experts, researchers & authors on breaking issues, current research, can't-miss educational events, books & publications, timber market update and more.
Listen on the web or download to listen on your mp3 player: January 18, 2012 CI Live!
Click Here for Index to Past Conferences.

January 19...Bronson, Florida 9 AM - 12 PM ET.
How to Monitor Plant and Animal Phenology. Location: Levy County Extension Office, 625 N. Hathaway Avenue. “The term phenology refers to the recurring plant and animal life stages, such as flowering plants or seeding, bird migration or insect emergence.” No Fee. Call (352) 486-5131.

January 21...Homestead, Florida 9 AM ET.
Forest Property Tour. Location: Pine Ridge Sanctuary, Property of Barbara and Terry Glancy. Fee: $10; lunch provided. Call Patty at (305) 248-3311x225.

January 24...Montgomery County.
Annual Nonpoint Source Conference. Location: Renaissance Hotel Conference Center, Montgomery. The conference format consists of presentations on projects, topics, efforts associated with nonpoint source pollution and its impact on water quality. Call Patti Hurley at (334) 394-4350. Editor’s Note: Nonpoint Source Water Quality Regulations have a direct affect on the management of, and income from, your land.

January 25...Webinar Noon CT.
Developing the New Leaders of your Family Enterprise presented by The Family Business Advisor. Fee: $159 per phone. Call Carol at (773) 572-6432.

January 26...Tuscaloosa County 6 PM - 8 PM.
Regional Landowner Meeting. Location: TBA. Fee: $10 non-members, $5 AFA members. Dinner included. Call Liz Chambers, Alabama Forestry Association (AFA), at (334) 481-2135.

January 28...DeKalb County 11 AM - Noon.
Growing Up WILD for Preschool Children: Food, Water, & Shelter. Location: Little River Canyon Center, Fort Payne. Pre-register. No fee. Contact Renee Morrison at (256) 782-5697 or rmorrison@jsu.edu.

January 28...DeKalb County 10 AM - 2 PM.
Wilderness Survival 101. Location: Little River Canyon Center, Fort Payne. Learn basic survival skills dealing with water, shelter, food, fire, and getting found. This is an outdoors hands-on program. Be prepared to get dirty. Bring your own drinks, snacks, and lunch. This program is more for older teens to adults. Pre-registration required. Fee: $10. Contact Renee Morrison at (256) 782-5697 or rmorrison@jsu.edu.

January 29...Statewide.
End of Duck/Goose Seasons. Are you aware of when your hunters are on your property? Did you purchase or renew your hunting liability insurance?

January 31...Statewide.
End of Deer and Woodcock Seasons. Are you aware of when your hunters are on your property? Did you purchase or renew your hunting liability insurance?

January 31...Gulfport, Mississippi 5:30 PM.
Managing your Southern Hardwoods for Wildlife & Aesthetics. Location: Lyman Community Center, 13472 Highway 49. Speaker: Dr. Randy Rousseau. Pre-register for accurate dinner count. Call Harrison County Extension Service at (228) 865-4227.

January 31...Wilcox County 6 PM - 8 PM.
Regional Landowner Meeting. Location: GainesRidge Dinner Club, 933 Highway 10 East, Camden. Fee: $10 non-members, $5 AFA members. Dinner included. Call Liz Chambers, Alabama Forestry Association (AFA), at (334) 481-2135.

> February 2012

February 1...Webinar 11 AM CT.
Timber Tax Update for 2011 Tax Filing Season. Presenters: Dr. Linda Wang, National Timber Tax Specialist, USDA Forest Service, and Dr. John Greene, Research Forester, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service. Contact Bill Hubbard at (706) 340-5070 or whubbard@uga.edu.

February 2...Chambers County 7:30 AM.
Teachers-In-Service Training held by the Chambers County Forest Planning Committee. Location: Chambers County Agricultural Center, LaFayette. The program is adapted to forest landowner interest and forest landowners. Contact Bill Frazer at (334) 864-7865 or wrfrazer@yahoo.com.

February 4…Morgan County 8:30 AM.
Wetland and Wetlands Reserve Program Management for Waterfowl. Location: Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Morning presentations and afternoon field tour. Lunch on your own. Pre-registration required by February 1. Contact Kelly Knowles at (334) 844-1010 or knowlkw@auburn.edu.

February 7...Lee County 11 AM - 12 PM.
Keeping an Eye on Aardvarks While Avoiding Arcadia. Location: Auburn School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Room 1101. Coffee and cookies served. Contact Lori Eckhardt at (334) 844-2720 or eckhalg@auburn.edu.

February 7-8...Atlanta, Georgia.
Forestry Day at the Capitol. This event will provide the forestry community an opportunity to visit with Georgia Legislators. Contact Georgia Forestry Association at (478) 992-8110 or info@gfagrow.org.

February 8...Webinar 9 AM - 10 AM ET.
Timber Tax Update. Fee: $15. Call Kelley McCarter at (919) 515-9563.

February 9...Atlanta, Georgia 7:45 AM - 3:30 PM ET.
Applied Forest Finance. Location: Emory Conference Center Hotel. Speaker: Brooks Mendell. New topics to the program include: How do we analyze financial returns from forestry in down markets, how do we decide whether to clearcut for pulpwood or manage for sawtimber, and how do we decide whether to harvest sawtimber now or wait for stronger markets. Fee: $660; $100 discount if paid by January 26. Call Heather Clark at (770) 725-8447.

February 9...Montgomery County 10 AM.
Forever Wild Board Meeting. Location: Alabama State Capitol Auditorium, Montgomery. The public is invited and urged to submit comments. This meeting serves as a public hearing for anyone who would like to make comments concerning this program. Call Greg Lein at (334) 353-7998. Editors Note: Should private landowners be concerned that the government is removing more and more land (hundreds of thousands of acres) from the private sector? Forever Wild land does not pay taxes. Who will the legislature decide needs to make up the shortfall in tax revenue as Forever Wild removes more and more property from paying taxes? Private forestland owners? These are questions you might want to ask yourself as a forest landowner.

February 9-12...Nashville, Tennessee.
Annual National Wild Turkey Federation National Convention. Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Fee: $275. Call Marsha at 1-800-843-6983.

February 10...Lee County 2 PM - 4:30 PM.
Applied Forestry & Wildlife Research Symposium. Location: School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Conference Hall 1101, 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn University. Contact Kelly Knowles at (334) 844-1010 or knowlkw@auburn.edu.

February 10...Lee County 5:30 PM.
Alabama Natural Resources Council (ANRC) Awards Banquet. Location: Auburn Hotel and Conference Center. This awards banquet will recognize the 2011 award recipients of the Helene Mosley Award, the Alabama Tree Farmer of the Year, the W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Award, the Outstanding Alabama Forestry Planning Committees, the Alabama Tree Farm Inspector of the Year, the Alabama Tree Farm Leadership Award, and the Alabama Tree Farm Hard Hat Award Winners. Fee: $35. Contact Kelly Knowles at (334) 844-1010 or knowlkw@auburn.edu.

February 11...Cleburne County 10 AM - 2 PM.
Pinhoti Trail Hike. Location: Shoal Creek Ranger Station. Join Jonathon Stober, USFS Biologist, for an interpretive hike. Bring water/snacks and comfortable hiking shoes. Not recommended for kids under 8. Fee: $5; must pre-register. Contact Renee Morrison at (256) 782-5697 or rmorrison@jsu.edu.

February 11...Talladega County 2:45 PM.
Wild Game Cook-Off. Location: Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega. Attend the cook-off and enjoy live music, door prizes, youth activities, and sample some of the best wild game in Alabama. Fee: $50. Call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822-9453.

February 14...Lee County 11 AM - 12 PM.
A New Look at Uneven-aged Management: the Pro-B Method for Selection Silviculture. Location: Auburn School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Room 1101. Coffee and cookies served. Contact Lori Eckhardt at (334) 844-2720 or eckhalg@auburn.edu.

February 14...Montgomery County 5 PM - 7 PM.
Alabama Agribusiness Council Legislative Reception. Location: RSA Plaza Terrace, Montgomery. Great opportunity to meet state legislators interested in forestry & agriculture. Sponsored in part by AFOA along with several other organizations. Call Leigha Cauthen at (334) 834-4006.

February 15-19...Eustis, Florida.
Southeast Regional Winter Woodfest Meeting. Location: Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center. Sessions include three instructional tracks. The Wood Technology and Identification Track topics include: structure of wood, wood recognition, leaf identification, and winter tree identification. The Demonstration Track topics include: woodturning, woodcarving, and carving turnings. The Craft Program Track topics include: sewing, quilting, knitting, and other crafts. There will be a sawmill in operation as well. Fee: $55; does not include lodging or meals. Contact Tom Kinney at (630) 667-8468 or thomaskinney@msn.com.

February 16...Greenwood, Mississippi 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
Timber Market Outlook. Location: Leflore County Extension Office, 309 W. Market Street. “This program features up-to-date information to provide a picture of market trends for forest products for the average person who owns forestland.” No fee, but seating limited. Call Jason Gordon at (662) 226-6000.

February 16...Lee County 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
Timber Tax and Return Preparations Workshop. Instructor: Dr. Robert A. Tufts. Location: School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn University. Fee: $15. Contact Robert Tufts at (334) 844-1011 or tuftsra@me.com. Please pre-register as early as possible so class will not be cancelled.

February 17...Colbert County 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
Alabama People Against A Littered State (PALS) Litter Law Enforcement Conference. Location: Colbert County Office Complex, Tuscumbia. Fee: $25; lunch included. Call PALS at (334) 263-7737.

February 17...Online 12 PM - 1 PM.
Conservation Q&A Live Web Chat. Biologists and Game Wardens from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will answer questions on hunting, fishing, and wildlife submitted by the public during a live web chat. Contact Kim Nix at (334) 242-3157 or kim.nix@dcnr.alabama.gov. Web address of event: www.outdooralabama.com/chat

February 19-21...Jekyll Island, Georgia.
Southeastern Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting. Location: Oceanside Inn and Suites, 711 N. Beachview Drive. Theme: “After the Recession - Finding Our Way Out of the Woods.” Fee: $230; includes some meals. Contact Sharon Dolliver at (478) 628-1196 or sesafbusmgr@windstream.net.

February 19-25...Statewide.
Arbor Week. Teach the next generation about the benefits of trees. Trees are one of the world’s best renewable resources!

February 21...College Park, Georgia 7 AM.
Atlanta Wood Solutions Fair. Location: Georgia International Convention Center. A full day of seminars and a trade exposition for anyone interested in wood's design possibilities. No Fee. Lunch included. Call Dawn Condotti at (630) 789-2776.

February 21...Lee County 11 AM - 12 PM.
Mission, Programs, and Activities of the U.S. Geological Survey, Alabama Water Science Center. Location: Auburn School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Room 1101. Coffee and cookies served. Contact Lori Eckhardt at (334) 844-2720 or eckhalg@auburn.edu.

February 21...Sumter County 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
Timber Tax and Return Preparations Workshop. Instructor: Dr. Robert A. Tufts. Location: ALFA Environmental Hall, University of West Alabama, Livingston. Fee: $15. Contact Robert Tufts at (334) 844-1011 or tuftsra@me.com. Please pre-register as early as possible so class will not be cancelled.

February 22...Webinar 11 AM CT.
Timber Tax Basis. Timber tax basis is a deduction that many landowners struggle with after a timber sale or a loss of timber from fire. Presenters: Dr. Linda Wang, National Timber Tax Specialist, USDA Forest Service, and Dr. John Greene, Research Forester, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service. Contact Bill Hubbard at (706) 340-5070 or whubbard@uga.edu.

February 22-24...Charleston, South Carolina.
Eucalyptus Symposium. Location: Francis Marion Hotel. Learn about the assessment and management of environmental issues related to the Eucalyptus in the southern U.S. Fee: $375. Contact Tracy Stubbs at (352) 331-1745 or tstubbs@src-ncasi.org.

February 23...Madison County 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
Timber Tax and Return Preparations Workshop. Instructor: Dr. Robert A. Tufts. Location: County Extension Office, 819 Cook Street, Huntsville. Fee: $15. Contact Robert Tufts at (334) 844-1011 or tuftsra@me.com. Please pre-register as early as possible so class will not be cancelled.

February 24...St. Clair County 10 AM - 2 PM.
Rain Barrel Workshop. Location: Pell City Civic Center, 2801 Stemley Bridge Road. "Workshop fun and helpful." Fee: $40. Contact Charles Pinkston at (205) 338-9416 or pinkscb@aces.edu.

February 24-26, Destin, Florida.
Alabama Forestry Association Mid-Winter Meeting. Location: Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort. Fee: $395. Pre-meeting seminar, Legal Considerations for Forest Landowners, $150 to $250. Contact Fran Whitaker at (334) 262-1258 or fwhitaker@alaforestry.org.

February 26...Ola, Georgia.
Women in the Outdoors Pheasant Shoot. Location: Ola 250 Club. Join the Atlanta Chapter Women in the Outdoors for a pheasant shoot. Call David Wamer at (404) 316-1283.

February 26-29...Sandestin, Florida.
Southeast Deer Study Group Meeting. Location: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Fee: $195. Contact Angela Leggett at (850) 488-5878 or angela.leggett@myfwc.com.

February 28...Lee County 11 AM - 12 PM.
Prescribed Fire - Use it right or don’t use it. Location: Auburn School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Room 1223. Coffee and cookies served. Contact Lori Eckhardt at (334) 844-2720 or eckhalg@auburn.edu.

February 28-29...Tallahassee, Florida.
Prescribed Fire Techniques for Wildlife: A Training for Private Landowners. Location: Leon County Extension Office. Fee: $45; some meals included. Contact Emma Willcox at (352) 486-5131 or ewillcox@ufl.edu.

February 29...Statewide.
End of Rabbit, Squirrel, Raccoon, Opossum, and Quail Seasons. Are you aware of when your hunters are on your property? Did you purchase or renew your hunting liability insurance?

> March 2012

March 1...Tuscaloosa County 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
Timber Tax and Return Preparations Workshop. Instructor: Dr. Robert A. Tufts. Location: County Extension Office, Tuscaloosa County Courthouse Annex, 2513 7th Street, Tuscaloosa. Fee: $15. Contact Robert Tufts at (334) 844-1011 or tuftsra@me.com. Please pre-register and pay as early as possible so class will not be cancelled.

March 2...Reddick, Florida 9:30 AM - 3 PM ET.
Food Plot Field Day. Location: Blitch Plantation, Property of John and Shirley Rudnianyn. Topics will include: site preparation, variety selection, and planting techniques. Fee: $10; lunch included. Contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu.

March 3...Calhoun County 6 PM - 8 PM.
Early Spring Frog Pond Adventure. Location: Jacksonville State University Frog Pond, White Plains. Learn to identify frog songs and get hands-on experience with George Cline. Fee: $5. Contact Renee Morrison at (256) 782-5697 or rmorrison@jsu.edu.

March 5 - May 25...Online.
Woodland Options for Landowners. Take this course to help gain an introductory level understanding of basic forest management principles and techniques and to use this understanding to become better land stewards. This is a twelve week self-paced course. Fee: $45 per household. Contact Jennifer Gagnon at (540) 231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.

March 6...Lee County 11 AM - 12 PM.
Wood Picklin’: An Overview. Location: Auburn School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Room 1101. Coffee and cookies served. Contact Lori Eckhardt at (334) 844-2720 or eckhalg@auburn.edu.

March 6...Webinar Noon CT.
Preparing Future Leaders for the Family Enterprise presented by The Family Business Advisor. Fee: $159 per phone. Call Carol at (773) 572-6432.

March 6…Webinar 1 PM CT.
Timber Tax Basis. “This webinar is designed to give you a detailed and clear understanding of timber tax basis, a deduction that many landowners struggle with after timber sale or loss of timber from fire, theft or storm.” Presented by timber tax experts Linda Wang and John Greene. Call Caroline Kuebler at (202) 463-2450.

March 8...Tuscaloosa County 6 PM - 9 PM.
Wild Turkey Management Workshop. Location: Tuscaloosa County Extension Auditorium. Fee: $10; dinner included. Contact Neal Hargle at (205) 349-4630 or pnh0003@auburn.edu.

March 9-11...Shelby County.
Alabama Hiking Trail Society (AHTS) Conference. Location: Alabama’s 4H Center, Columbiana. Topics will include: flora, fauna, history, destinations, protecting the environment, gear demonstrations, and more. Fee: $45; does not include meals or lodging. Contact AHTS at (251) 279-0801 or ahts@hikealabama.org. Editor’s Note: You may also wish to attend the Alabama Trails Commission meeting at 8 AM on March 9 which is open to the public. You may hear comments advocating the taking of private land for public use (hiking trails).

March 10...Montgomery County 8 AM.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Advisory Board Meeting. Location: State Capitol Auditorium, Montgomery. Those wishing to address the board need to register between 8 AM - 8:30 AM. Use the entrance behind the Capitol on North Union Street. This board sets hunting rules that may affect property values. Call the Commissioner's Office at (334) 242-3486.

March 13...Statewide.
Alabama & Presidential Primary Elections.

March 13...Augusta, Georgia 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM ET.
Forest Landowners Association (FLA) Regional Meeting. Location: Augusta Marriott Convention Center. Fee: $65. Contact the FLA at 1-800-325-2954 or info@forestlandowners.com.

March 13...Lee County 8:30 AM - 5 PM.
Online Mapping and Spatial Resources for the Private Landowner. Location: Auburn Univ. School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. Fee: $100. Contact John Gilbert at (334) 329-0236 or gilbejo@auburn.edu.

March 13...Teleconference 8 PM CT.
Tele-Town Hall on EPA Overreach. "This is an important opportunity to discuss the out-of-control Administration’s EPA and what you can do to help Senator Rand Paul rein in their unchecked power and assault on Americans’ private property."
To register use the following link: http://bit.ly/xJFu9w

March 14...Teleconference 9 AM - Noon ET.
Fire in the Forest. Multiple locations in North Carolina. Fee: $50; $15 discount if paid by March 8. Call Kelley McCarter at (919) 515-9563.

March 15...All or Portions of 59 Counties.
Turkey Season Opens. Are you aware of when your hunters are on your property? Did you purchase or renew your hunting liability insurance?

March 15...Nashville, Tennessee.
Tennessee Forestry Association Tree Day at the Legislature. Contact Dana Howard at (615) 883-3832 or dhoward@tnforestry.com.

March 15...Mobile County 8 AM - Noon.
Coastal Pre-Harvest Guide for Forest Landowners. Location: Archer Agricultural Center, Mobile. This program will cover issues a landowner should consider before selling timber in wetland areas. Contact Jim Jeter at (205) 339-0929 or james.jeter@forestry.alabama.gov.

Cancelled March 15...Chipley, Florida 9 AM - 3 PM CT.
Grow Timber Revenue Workshop. Location: Washington County Extension Office. This program will provide guidance on timber management and marketing strategies. Fee: $10; lunch included. Contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu.

March 15…Webinar 1 PM CT.
Managing for Black Walnut. Topics: Why grow black walnut?; Products and uses; Where it grows. Presented by Mel Baughman and Lenny Farlee. Call Caroline Kuebler at (202) 463-2450.

March 15...Baldwin County 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
Timber Tax and Return Preparations Workshop. Instructor: Dr. Robert A. Tufts. Location: Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center, 8300 State Highway 104, Fairhope. Fee: $15. Contact Robert Tufts at (334) 844-1011 or tuftsra@me.com. Please pre-register and pay as early as possible so class will not be cancelled.

March 15-16...Lee County.
Introduction to GPS for Forestry and Other Natural Resources Applications. Location: Auburn Univ. School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building. Fee: $275. Contact Rebecca Barlow at (334) 844-1019 or rjb0003@auburn.edu.

March 16...Athens, Georgia 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM ET.
Forests and Hurricanes: Impacts and Planning Considerations. Location: Warnell School of Forestry, Room 4-516. Fee: $120; lunch included. Contact Ingvar Elle at (706) 583-0566 or ielle@warnell.uga.edu.

March 20...Baldwin County 8 AM - Noon.
Coastal Pre-Harvest Guide for Forest Landowners. Location: Five Rivers Delta Center, Spanish Fort. This program will cover issues a landowner should consider before selling timber in wetland areas. Contact Jim Jeter at (205) 339-0929 or james.jeter@forestry.alabama.gov.

March 20...Hattiesburg, Mississippi 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM.
Forest Landowners Association (FLA) Regional Meeting. Location: Molpus Timberlands, 178 Bonhomie Road. Fee: $20. Contact the FLA at 1-800-325-2954 or info@forestlandowners.com.

March 21...DeKalb County 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
Plants of the Pocket. Location: Meet at DeSoto State Park Park Nature Center; shuttle to site. Enjoy a botany trip to “The Pocket” on Pidgeon Mountain. Easy to moderate short hike. Fee: $10. Contact Renee Morrison at (256) 782-5697 or rmorrison@jsu.edu.

March 21...Lee County 3 PM - 5 PM.
Global Tree Health: Growing Threats, Growing Opportunities. Location: Auburn School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Room 1101. Coffee and cookies served. Weaver Lecture. Contact Lori Eckhardt at (334) 844-2720 or eckhalg@auburn.edu.

March 24...Unicoi, Tennessee 7 AM - 1 PM.
Tennessee Healthy Hardwoods Field Day. Location: Cherokee National Forest. This event will focus on protecting and improving water quality in forested settings. Lunch included. Contact Dana Howard at (615) 883-3832 or dhoward@tnforestry.com.

March 27...Bibb County 6 PM - 9 PM.
Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plants. Location: Sawmeal Restaurant, Brent. Includes a visit to a nearby patch of Cogongrass. Dutch treat dinner from 6-7. Call Matt Hartzell at (205) 926-3117.

AFOA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

March 28, 2012...Nationwide 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM (Central Time).
CAPITAL IDEAS -- LIVE!
News Conference for Forest Owners.
This 30 minute telephone/Internet conference featured state & national experts, researchers & authors on breaking issues, current research, can't-miss educational events, books & publications, timber market update and more.
Listen on the web or download to listen on your mp3 player: March 28, 2012 CI Live!
Click Here for Index to Past Conferences.

March 29...Chilton County 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM.
Alabama Realtors Land Institute's Spring Meeting. Location: Alabama Power Clanton Conference Center, 2030 7th Street South, Clanton. Fee: $129; lunch included. Call Dave Milton at (256) 825-4331.

March 29...Oxford, Mississippi 8:30 AM - 4 PM.
Income Taxes and The Family Forest. Location: Lafayette County Extension Office. Topics: What is timber basis, Why are records important, How to recover reforestation costs, and Saving money on timber taxes. Fee: $35; lunch included. Call John Kushla at (662) 566-2201.

March 30-31...Lee County.
Alabama Division of the Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting. Location: School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University. Topics include: forest health, biomass, forest certification, managing for Shortleaf pine, American Chestnut restoration efforts, and more. Fee: $120; $35 discount if paid by March 5. Contact Fran Whitaker at (334) 546-8736 or fwhitaker@alaforestry.org.

March 31...Oak Ridge, Tennessee 7 AM - 1 PM.
Tennessee Healthy Hardwoods Field Day. Location: University of Tennessee Forest Resource Center. This event will focus on protecting and improving water quality in forested settings. Lunch included. Contact Dana Howard at (615) 883-3832 or dhoward@tnforestry.com.

>April 2012

April 1...Colbert, Franklin, Madison, Winston, and Parts of Lauderdale, Lawrence, and Limestone Counties.
Turkey Season Opens. Are you aware of when your hunters are on your property? Did you purchase or renew your hunting liability insurance?

April 3...Covington County 8 AM - 5 PM.
Online Mapping and Spatial Resources for the Private Forest Landowner. Location: Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center, Andalusia. Speaker: John Gilbert, Auburn University. Fee: $75. Contact John Gilbert at (334) 329-0236 or gilbejo@auburn.edu.

April 3...Batesville, Mississippi 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
Forest & Wildlife Management for Profit and Recreation. Location: Extension Building, 294 Hwy 51 South. Topics include: pine thinning, multiple forest use, hardwood management, wildlife population management, hunting leases, and landowner assistance programs. Fee: $35; lunch included. Call Jason Gordon at (662) 226-6000.

April 3...Pickens County 4 PM.
Pond Management Workshop. Location: 1868 Pate’s Lake Road, Carrollton. Topics: pond construction, liming, fertilization, harvest rates, species selection, and others. Instructor: Greg Whitis, Alabama Fish Farming Center. Bring a 12 oz. sample of water for testing from your pond. Fee: $5 per sample. Call Patti Fuller at (205) 367-8148.

April 4...Montgomery County 11 AM - 2 PM.
Family Business/Family Farm Day. Location: South Lawn of State Capitol, Montgomery. Call Rosemary Elebash, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), at (334) 264-2261 or rosemary.elebash@nfib.org.

April 5...Madison, Florida 9 AM - 3 PM ET.
Grow Timber Revenue Workshop. Location: Madison County Extension Office. This program will provide guidance on timber management and marketing strategies. Fee: $10; lunch included. Contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu.

April 10...Batesville, Mississippi 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
Forest & Wildlife Management for Profit and Recreation. Location: Extension Building, 294 Hwy 51 S. Topics include: Management Plan, Habitat improvement, food plots, and more. Fee: $35; lunch included. Call Jason Gordon at (662) 226-6000.

April 10...Lee County 11 AM - 12 PM.
Commercial Forestry in South Africa: The Role of Integrated Pest Management. Location: Auburn School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Room 1223. Coffee and cookies served. Contact Lori Eckhardt at (334) 844-2720 or eckhalg@auburn.edu.

April 10...Madison County 7 PM.
“Improving Upland Hardwoods - How?” Location: Alabama A&M ARC Auditorium, Huntsville. Meeting is geared more toward foresters. Instructor: Dr. David Mercker, Univ. of Tennessee Extension Forester. Contact Brian Bradley at (256) 883-1788 or bk75bradley@comcast.net.

April 11...Capps, Florida 8 AM - 3 PM ET.
FL - GA Game Management Series: Sport Fish Pond Management. Location: Beau Turner Youth Conservation Center. Learn about pond biology and proper management techniques for all types of pond owners and managers. Fee: $25. Call Kristy at (850) 838-3508.

April 12-14...DeKalb County.
Annual American Paulownia Association Conference. Location: Best Western Rainsville Inn, Rainsville. Theme: Paulownia—An Alternative Energy Source? Two field trips are planned on the 14th. Fee: $60. Call the American Paulownia Association at (301) 790-3075.

April 17...Conecuh County 6 PM - 8 PM.
Recreational Pond Management Workshop. Location: 102 Liberty Street, Room 103, Evergreen. Contact Emily Brogden at (251) 578-2762 or brogdeh@aces.edu.

April 17-18...Scooba, Mississippi.
Intro to ArcGIS 10 for Foresters. Location: East Mississippi Community College. The goal of this class is to simplify ArcGIS and make it a practical tool for the field forester or landowner. The basics of ArcGIS 10 will be covered, along with creating maps, and multiple exercises to practice digitizing on top of aerial photos. Fee: $400. Call Johnny Thompson at 1-866-395-5440.

April 18...Choctaw County 8 AM - 3 PM.
Chainsaw Safety Seminar. Location: Alabama Southern Community College, Gilbertown. The seminar will concentrate on tricky cuts, spring loads, and general use of chainsaw that can occur after storms. Instructor: Rip Tompkins, ArborMaster Consulting. Fee: $20. Call Jack Rowe at (251) 589-5572 or wjr0001@aces.edu.

April 18...Nationwide 11 AM - 12 PM CT.
Forest*A*Syst: A web-based tool for natural resource professionals. Location: Webinar. Learn how to use this tool to assist landowners in making informed decisions about the goals and objectives they have on their property. Contact Bill Hubbard at (706) 340-5070 or whubbard@uga.edu.

April 19...Monroe County 7:30 AM - 3 PM.
Chainsaw Safety Seminar. Location: Monroe County Cooperative Extension Office, Monroeville. The seminar will concentrate on tricky cuts, spring loads, and general use of chainsaw that can occur after storms. Instructor: Rip Tompkins, ArborMaster Consulting. Fee: $20. Call Jack Rowe at (251) 589-5572 or wjr0001@aces.edu.

April 20...Online 12 PM - 1 PM CT.
Conservation Q&A Live Web Chat. Wildlife biologists, fisheries biologists, and game wardens from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will answer questions on hunting, fishing, and wildlife submitted by the public during a live web chat. Contact Kim Nix at (334) 242-3157 or kim.nix@dcnr.alabama.gov.

April 21...Parts of Cullman, Lawrence, Lauderdale, and Morgan Counties.
Turkey Season Opens. Are you aware of when your hunters are on your property? Did you purchase or renew your hunting liability insurance?

April 21...Henderson, Tennessee 7 AM - 1 PM.
Tennessee Healthy Hardwoods Field Day. Location: Chickasaw State Forest. This event will focus on protecting and improving water quality in forested settings. Lunch included. Contact Dana Howard at (615) 883-3832 or dhoward@tnforestry.com.

April 21-28...Statewide.
Alabama People Against A Littered State (PALS) “Don’t Drop It On Alabama” Spring Cleanup. All materials furnished by Alabama PALS. Call (334) 263-7737.

April 24...Statewide.
Primary Runoff(s).

April 24...Blountstown, Florida 9 AM - 2:30 PM CT.
Silviculture Best Management Practices Workshop. Location: Neal Civic Center. Registration deadline: April 13. Contact Richard Cristan at (850) 747-5748 or richard.cristan@freshfromflorida.com.

April 25...Parts of Cullman, Lawrence, Lauderdale, and Morgan Counties.
Turkey Season Closes. Are you aware of when your hunters are on your property? Did you purchase or renew your hunting liability insurance?

April 25...Statesboro, Georgia 12:30 PM - 4:20 PM ET.
Forestry Half Day Workshop. Location: Bulloch County Ag Center. Topic: Mid-rotation Fertilization, Competition Control & Forest Economics Updates. Fee: $40. Please pre-register by April 19. Call Debbie Miracle at (912) 681-5639.

April 26...Lowndes County.
Progressive Agriculture Safety Day (Kids Only). Location: Holy Ground Battlefield Park, Hayneville. Call Katanga Mants at (334) 548-2315.

April 26...Ocala, Florida 9 AM - 3 PM ET.
Grow Timber Revenue Workshop. Location: Marion County Extension Office. This program will provide guidance on timber management and marketing strategies. Fee: $10; lunch included. Contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu.

April 26-27...Lee County.
Why you should not be afraid to grow longleaf pine. Location: Auburn Univ. School of Forestry, Room 2217, Auburn. Field tour included. Fee: $150; $25 discount if paid by April 18. Contact Rebecca Barlow at (334) 844-1019 or rjb0003@auburn.edu.

April 28...Hohenwald, Tennessee 7 AM - 1 PM.
Tennessee Healthy Hardwoods Field Day. Location: Lewis State Forest. This event will focus on protecting and improving water quality in forested settings. Lunch included. Contact Dana Howard at (615) 883-3832 or dhoward@tnforestry.com.

>May 2012

May 2...Batesville, Mississippi 8:30 AM - 1 PM.
Ties to the Land: Your Family Forest Heritage. Location: Panola County Extension Office, 294 Hwy 51 South. Topics: Steps to Succession Planning, Values & Goals for Family Forest, Determine Heirs’ Interest, Legal & Business Consideration, and Financial Impacts of Ownership Transfers. Fee: $50/couple; lunch included. Call Judd Gentry at (662) 563-6260.

May 5...Walker County 8:30 AM.
Landowner Tour. Location: Eldridge area at Turkey Creek Lodge owned by Jasper Lumber Company. Topics include: forest regeneration, wildlife management, pond management, and others. Lunch provided. Pre-registration required. Call Katherine Patton at (205) 387-1879.

May 5…Caledonia, Mississippi 8:30 AM - 2 PM.
Are My Pines Ready To Thin? Location: Caledonia Community Center. This workshop will provide a field experience to determine when a pine stand is ready for a thinning. Fee: $20; lunch provided. Call Reid Nevins at (662) 328-2111.

May 5...Elmore County 6 PM.
Wild Game Cook-Off. Location: Lake Martin Amphitheater, Eclectic. Attend the cook-off and enjoy live music, door prizes, youth activities, and sample some of the best wild game in Alabama. Fee: $50/person/couple; $10 discount if paid prior to the event. Call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822-9453.

May 8...Coffeeville, Mississippi 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Prescribed Burning for Pine Plantations. Location: Yalobusha County Extension Office. This short course includes a half day of classroom and a half day of field session. Fee: $35; lunch provided. Call Brent Gray at (662) 675-2730.

May 8...Collins, Mississippi 5:30 PM - 8 PM.
Ties to the Land: Your Family Forest Heritage. Location: Covington County Extension Office, 68 Collins Industrial Park Drive. Topics: Steps to Succession Planning, Values & Goals for Family Forest, Determine Heirs’ Interest, Legal & Business Consideration, and Financial Impacts of Ownership Transfers. Fee: $40/couple. Call Carolyn Conger at (601) 765-8252.

May 8-10...Lee County.
Annual Alabama Invasive Plant Council held jointly with the Annual Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Meeting. Location: Auburn Univ. Hotel and Conference Center. Fee: $160; $20 discount if paid by April 23. Call Jimmie Cobb at (334) 887-2803.

May 8-10...Tifton, Georgia.
Longleaf Academy: Longleaf 101. Longleaf 101 is a classroom and field instruction course. Fee: $100. There is a $150 lodging stipend available to private individuals. Contact JJ Bachant-Brown at (334) 427-1029 or jj@longleafalliance.org.

May 10...Sumter County.
Progressive Agriculture Safety Day (Kids Only). Location: Lake LU, Livingston. Call Mandee Carrier at (205) 652-7521.

May 10...Mobile/Washington Counties 8:30 AM.
Forestry Field Day. Location: Boykin Lodge, 850 Frank Boykin Drive, Double Gates, AL. Topics: Bioenergy, Longleaf Pine Straw Production, Forest Soils, Wild Turkey Management, and Pond Management. Contact Michelle Floyd at (251) 847-6041 or michelle.floyd@al.usda.gov.

May 10...Tavares, Florida 10 AM - 3 PM ET.
Planning for the Future of Your Family Lands. Fee: $10; lunch included. Call the Conservation Trust for Florida at (352) 376-4770.

May 10-11...Lee County.
Introduction to ArcGIS for Forestry and Other Natural Resource Applications. Location: Auburn Univ. School of Forestry, Room 2216, Auburn. Fee: $275; $25 discount if paid by May 1. Contact Rebecca Barlow at (334) 844-1019 or rjb0003@auburn.edu.

May 11-14...Covington County.
Deer Steward Level I. Location: Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center, Andalusia. This course will focus on: Herd Management, Habitat Management, Hunter Management, and Herd Monitoring. Fee: $800; $50 discount for Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) member. Call QDMA at 1-800-209-3337.

May 12...DeKalb County 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
BirdFest 2012. Location: Little River Canyon Center, Fort Payne. Celebrate the opening of the Appalachian Highland Birding Trail with programs, activities, films, and exhibits. Contact Renee Morrison at (256) 782-5697 or rmorrison@jsu.edu.

May 12...Marshall County 6 PM.
Wild Game Cook-Off. Location: Civitan Park, Guntersville. Attend the cook-off and enjoy live music, door prizes, youth activities, and sample some of the best wild game in Alabama. Fee: $50/person/couple; $10 discount if paid prior to the event. Call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822-9453.

May 10 & 15...Grenada, Mississippi 5 PM - 8 PM on both days.
Profitable Marketing & Harvesting of Timber. Location: Grenada County Office Building, 1240 Fairgrounds Road, Suite E. This basic course is designed to show forest landowners step-by-step how to sell their timber and practice forest management for increased satisfaction and income. Fee: $35; is for both days. Dinner included on final day. Call Steve Winters at (662) 226-2061.

May 13-15...Columbus, Georgia.
North American Lake Management Society Southeastern Lake and Watershed Management Annual Conference. Location: Iron Works Trade Center. Fee: $195; $25 discount if paid by May 8. Call Allison Jenkins at (205) 266-6285.

May 15...Limestone County 6 PM.
Wild Game Cook-Off. Location: Athens. Attend the cook-off and enjoy live music, door prizes, youth activities, and sample some of the best wild game in Alabama. Fee: $50/person/couple; $15 discount if paid prior to the event. Call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822-9453.

May 16...Nationwide 11 AM - 12 PM CT.
Forest Farming Non-Timber Products: Opportunities and Challenges. Location: Webinar. Presenter: James Chamberlain, USDA Forest Service. Contact Bill Hubbard at (706) 340-5070 or whubbard@uga.edu.

May 17...Kosciusko, Mississippi 8:30 AM - 3 PM.
Forest Regeneration: Investment in the Future. Location: Attala County Extension Office. This short course is designed to instruct the landowner in site prep, artificial regeneration, natural regeneration, and the economics of regeneration. Fee: $35; lunch included. Call Dr. Ernie Flint at (662) 289-5431.

May 17...Thomasville, Georgia 8 AM - 7 PM ET.
Eastern Wild Turkey Extravaganza. This program is comprised of a field day, trade show, and banquet. Fee: $75; includes all events. Pre-registration required with no registration on site. Contact Jed Dillard at (850) 342-0187 or dillardjed@ufl.edu.

May 17...Bushnell, Florida 10 AM - 3 PM ET.
Planning for the Future of Your Family Lands. Fee: $10; lunch included. Call the Conservation Trust for Florida at (352) 376-4770.

May 17-18 (was 15-16)...Athens, Georgia.
Introduction to ArcGIS. Location: Warnell School of Forestry. Fee: $360; one lunch included. Contact Ingvar Elle at (706) 583-0566 or ielle@warnell.uga.edu.

May 18...Montgomery County 8 AM - 5 PM.
Appraising Alabama Forest Land & Timber. Location: Montgomery Area Association of Realtors Building, Montgomery. Fee: $215. Contact Pam Paulk at (205) 835-0808 or pampaulk@aialabama.com.

May 19...Baldwin County 8 AM.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Advisory Board Meeting. Location: Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, Spanish Fort. Those wishing to address the board need to register between 8 AM - 8:30 AM. This board sets hunting rules that may affect property values. Call the Commissioner's Office at (334) 242-3486.

May 19...Barlow, Mississippi 8:30 AM - 2 PM.
White-Tailed Deer Educational Field Day. Location: Copiah County Wildlife Management Area. No Fee. Lunch provided. Call Bruce Gray at (601) 754-5592.