BF 150: Farm Woodlot Management

Assessing the Economic Potential of a Managed Forest

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Assessing the economic potential of a managed forest

Woodlots are a common feature of most farms in the eastern US, and are often overlooked for the value they might bring to the landowner and to farm enterprises. Farmers and woodland owners need to recognize the potential values of their woodland resource, be familiar with common ways a woodland can add value, and identify how the woodland will support the interests of the owner.

During this course, we will examine the methods to assess forest resources and discuss common woodland activities such as cutting firewood, harvesting logs for mushroom cultivation, and support for wildlife and long-term forest health.

Target Audience

All levels, specific geographic region: Farmers and landowners who manage (or seek to manage) woodlands. Participants should have an interest in working the woods to improve their financial outcome and to ensure healthy trees with long-term productivity. No prior forestry knowledge required. This course contains some information specific to the Northeastern US, though it contains content broad enough to be relevant to anyone living in a humid temperate climate.

Course Objectives

As a result of this course you will be able to:

  • Make informed decisions, knowing what actions you can pursue and what activities you should contract through a forester
  • Describe the type, quality and potential of woodlands on a property
  • Connect attributes of the land to your interests and needs for common woodland products of value
  • Be able to select trees that can be grown for a future crop and remove trees useful for firewood

Webinars

The bulk of the course happens on your own time, with discussions, readings, and assignments in Teachable, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course for 6 weeks each Fall to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from presenters and ask questions in real time. If you miss one, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing.

Webinar Schedule

In 2024, this course will be offered live for 6-weeks on Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (Eastern) from November 6 – December 11. While we encourage live attendance, so you have the opportunity to engage with presenters and ask questions, all webinars are recorded and posted in the online classroom to watch anytime. Once enrolled in this course, you will retain access to all materials indefinitely, and can return to participate in the live webinars in future offerings of the course if you wish. Join us!


Your Instructor


Sylvan Pritchett
Sylvan Pritchett

Sylvan Pritchett is the 6th generation to steward his family property near Wayland NY. He is a transplant from Oregon where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Master of Forestry from Oregon State University. Having worked as an arborist, landscaper, vegetable farmer, forest researcher, and restoration tech, Sylvan enjoys applying an ecologically-based approach to land management and fostering abundant and ergonomic landscapes for generations to come.


Student Testimonials

“I hadn't really considered the woods to be an active part of my farm operation, but this course gave me a whole new appreciation for what I could do in the forest to add profit to my farm.”

“After taking this course, I notice so many things about my woodlot I would not have noticed before. Ironically, the topic I was least excited about was the unit that had the greatest impact. I learned so much about how to really look at and assess what is going on (and not going on) around me.”

Course Curriculum



Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course officially starts and ends on the dates given above, when the instructor gets involved and begins hosting live weekly webinars. If you are registering after the webinars have concluded for the year, you will have immediate access to all the course materials, and will be able to participate in the next year's webinars if you choose to.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 7 days and we will give you a full refund.

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