Presentations Offered

SESSION 1

Friday, 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.

 

Mapping Your Woods: Free Resources to Track Land and Practices

Jeff Osborne, Service Forester for Blair, Cambria, and Indiana Counties, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 208

Explore freely available satellite imagery and other digital data. See free systems on computers and mobile apps that forest landowners can use to assess different aspects of their forestland such as slope, vegetation coverage, and historic land use. We’ll also cover how to use these systems and information to plan and keep track of forest management.
(This presentation contains foundational information for novice landowners.)

Introduction to Forestry in NRCS 

Christopher Peters, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Room 207

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has much to offer woodland owners: from cost-share programs, to forest management plans, to networks with other agency partners. Learn what services are available to you, which projects can be supported by cost-share, and how you can benefit from working with NRCS to achieve your forest management goals.
(This presentation contains foundational information for novice landowners.)

Climate-Smart Forestry: Balancing Forest Resilience and Forest Carbon

Kevin Yoder, Director of Land Management, The Nature Conservancy

Room 205

Forests are critical resources for carbon sequestration and storage, but they are also susceptible to stressors that are predicted to worsen in a changing climate. This presentation will cover the tradeoffs landowners face when considering carbon storage, forest resilience, and other management goals.

On-lot Septic Systems and Water Quality: What Do You Need to Know as a Landowner?

Faith Kibuye, Water Resources Extension Specialist, Penn State

Room 112

On-lot septic systems treat and dispose of wastewater from homes and buildings in most of rural Pennsylvania. Septic system owners or users are typically responsible for system care and maintenance. Septic systems that are appropriately designed, installed, operated, and maintained can protect water quality and human and environmental health. Most septic system users across Pennsylvania rely on private water systems like wells for domestic water supply. In this presentation, we will explore how on-lot septic systems can impact water quality in adjacent groundwater and surface water sources and provide maintenance tips for users.

Stewarding Wild American Ginseng on Forestlands

Rachel Palkovitz, PhD Candidate, Anthropology Department, Penn State

Room 109

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is a native, understory perennial herb that people can find and cultivate on their woodland property in Pennsylvania. Ginseng is a culturally and economically important plant because of its medicinal properties and is among the most widely traded non-timber forest products from North America. This presentation will cover some of the conservation challenges wild ginseng populations face, ginseng population-genetics and differences in appearance across habitats, and efforts to create regional seedbanks to ensure healthy populations well-adapted to the local environment.
(First of two student presentations in Room 109 during Session 1.)

Non-timber Forest Products: Ecosystem Services in Small Forest Areas

Luiza Lazzaro, PhD Student, Ecology, Penn State

Room 109

Humans benefit from forest ecosystems through the myriad values and services they provide, shaped by past history and present management activities. While often management strategies seem to be focused on large forest areas, most forests in the eastern United States are family-owned and small in area (e.g., <50 acres). Our project aims to evaluate the success of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as mushrooms, berries, and nuts, under varying forest understory light levels resulting from thinning. Learn about the preliminary data from NTFP plots installed in Penn State’s Stone Valley Forest and Musser Gap. By exploring the potential of NTFP cultivation across different conditions, we can develop recommendations for sustainable forest management practices tailored to smaller forest areas that broaden the benefits forests provide us.
(Second of two student presentations in Room 109 during Session 1.)

Stalking Spalted Wood Treasure

Sanford “Sandy” Smith, Teaching Professor and Extension Specialist in Forest Resources, Penn State

Room 108

Spalted wood? What’s that? This session introduces the uniqueness of spalted wood, what it is, how it comes about, and how it is used and valued. There are also possibilities of forest landowners using low-grade logs to produce spalted lumber for sale to woodworkers and turners as an alternative income source.

Fundamentals of Mixed-Oak Forests

Scott Weikert, Forest Resources Educator, Penn State Extension

Room 107

Mixed oak forests are the predominant forest type in Pennsylvania, and many forest managers work hard to regenerate oaks on their woodlots. This presentation will review basic forestry knowledge of the upland oaks, mixed-oak forests found in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Methods for Estimating Deer Populations

Katie Brooks, Forestry and Wildlife Educator, Penn State Extension

Room 106

In order to properly manage forests in the presence of white-tailed deer, landowners and managers need to know the deer population that is impacting the forest. This presentation will cover different sampling techniques that will allow you to estimate the deer population and create a monitoring system to know if populations are increasing, decreasing, or stable.

Fire, On My Property?!

Austin Noguera, Forester, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 105

With the increasing risk of wildfires in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering, “What if that happens to my forest?” Learn how a landowner can prepare for, and recover from, a wildfire on your property. This presentation will also discuss the benefits of prescribed fire and highlight the latest updates on prescribed fire in Pennsylvania.

Wet and Wonderful Riparian Forests

Ryan Davis, Senior Forests Projects Manager, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

Room 104

You’ve likely heard how important streamside forests are for water quality. They are also critical habitat for many specialist and generalist wildlife species, and are unique, interesting, valuable forest communities in their own right. Join this talk to learn more about these critical forest ecosystems and how you can restore them on your own property.

 

SESSION 2

Friday, 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

 

Tree Communication

Cathryn Pugh, Forestry and Wildlife Educator, Penn State Extension

Room 208

Don’t miss the forest for the trees! Scientists continue to uncover the complexities of trees, looking beyond individual species to how trees in a community share messages with each other and their animal and fungal neighbors. In this talk, Forestry Educator Cat Pugh will highlight how trees communicate above and belowground and how these chemical signals can shape forest management practices and garden design.

Informed Decisions in a Changing World: Lessons in Adaptive Management

Nancy G.W. Baker, Pennsylvania Forest Landowner and Chair of the Pennsylvania Forest Stewards Steering Committee

Room 207

How can we use one family’s long history with a piece of Penn’s Woods to explore what ultimately drives our forest management choices? What can a hemlock-sided barn, chestnut swinging gates, elm flooring in horse stalls, and hard maple in houses tell us about a forest? And what do volcanic eruptions and pumpkin floods say about our assessment of climate? How do wars, the economy, human health, religion, and belief shape our decisions about land? And do failed plantations, plagues of invasives, and panthers help inform our current practices? Let’s envision our past experience, current knowledge, and the passion that we all lean on in caring for our forests’ future in an evolving environment.

Managing Older Forests for Resilience and Wildlife Habitat

Amanda Duren, Director of Conservation Partnerships, American Bird Conservancy

Kevin Yoder, Director of Land Management, The Nature Conservancy

Room 205

The history of vast clearcutting in Pennsylvania removed most of the state’s old-growth habitat and left us with many forests of similar age and structure. Do we need to manage these forests, or should we let nature take its course? If we do manage them, how can we do so in a way that promotes resilience to disturbance and improves wildlife habitat?

Large-scale Solar Energy Projects in PA: Why Here, Why Now, and How Might It Affect Us?

Daniel Brockett and Joseph Conklin, Penn State Extension Energy Team

Room 112

Penn State Extension Energy Team closely follows developments with PJM (a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity) and PA PUC (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission), along with proposed legislation and policy changes. This presentation will cover recent trends in large-scale solar in Pennsylvania, and explain and discuss the energy market, leasing market, and the latest trends in siting these energy projects.

Planning Forests of the Future: How to Manage Your Land for the Coming Century

Denise Alving, PhD Student, Forest Resources, Penn State

Room 109

With patterns of temperature and precipitation in Pennsylvania projected to shift throughout the century, it is important to foster growth of populations of current and new arrival species expected to thrive, while protecting populations of species expected to struggle under future conditions. This presentation will provide an overview of publicly available tools for identifying strategic management goals, selecting tree species and seedling sources, and registering new plantings with a national network of climate-adapted forest planting sites. Results shared from a preliminary study across a gradient of soil conditions will highlight key elements to consider when planting nine common native and introduced tree species in the region.
(First of two student presentations in Room 109 during Session 2.)

Engaging Landowners: Insights into Carbon Payment Programs Interest and Use

Kripa Neupane, PhD Student, Forest Resources, Penn State

Room 109

Investors are seeking ways to leverage private forests to mitigate climate change impacts, potentially creating new revenue opportunities for landowners through payments for managing forest health and carbon. While many landowners are open to managing their forests for multiple purposes, they may have limited understanding or willingness to enroll in carbon payment programs. Research conducted in Pennsylvania and Virginia sought to understand if, and how, landowners use carbon payment programs. While many may be interested in participating, landowners are more likely to support carbon programs if they meet certain conditions. Come learn how your fellow woodland owners are approaching carbon payment programs.
(Second of two student presentations in Room 109 during Session 2.)

Stream Habitat Restoration and PA Fish and Boat Commission Practices

Brandon Buckley, Fisheries Biologist, PA Fish and Boat Commission

Room 108

There is great interest in restoring stream habitat. Discover the work of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stream habitat section, from the process of starting a project to the land benefits. Learn about habitat structures and how each one functions and benefits, as well the behind-the-scenes work, including project design, permitting, funding, and partnerships. Talk through the benefits to fish and aquatic life, but also the benefits from a landowner’s perspective and how your property could be improved with this work. Learn the steps you can take if you are interested in having this work done on your land.

Land Surveying in Pennsylvania: Methods and Procedures for Boundary Retracement Surveys

Brian Sekula, PE, PLS, Consultant, Registered Professional Engineer, Registered Professional Land Surveyor

Room 107

The location of property boundaries is an important part of forestland ownership. Knowing the location of property corners is a necessary component of a timber harvest. Having established corners and identified property lines makes good neighbors and generally precludes other issues. This presentation will review the methods and equipment of land surveying and the references available to the surveyor. It will begin with a discussion of the difference between an original survey and a retracement survey and then focus on the research, general methods, and rules of boundary retracement in Pennsylvania. The work of the Registered Professional Land Surveyor is very similar to that of a detective solving a case. In the end, the completed survey — which typically includes a map, set corners, and blazed lines (if requested) — should leave evidence for others to follow.

Forest Management Plans: What Are They and Do I Really Need One?

Mark Lewis, Service Forester, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 106

Forest Management Plans (FMPs) play an important role in helping forest landowners establish their goals, inventory their woodlot, and prioritize their management activities. But they only work if you get them off the shelf and dust them off! FMPs come in many shapes and sizes, from a simple reconnaissance to an in-depth study with stand analysis. Take a look at the necessary parts of an FMP and how getting a management plan can help forest landowners with forest management projects.
(This presentation contains foundational information for novice landowners.)

Where Are the Baby Oaks?

Calvin Norman, Assistant Teaching Professor of Forestry, Penn State

Room 105

Oaks (Quercus spp.) are important for the wildlife, economy, and culture of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic, but their future is threatened by a lack of regeneration and poor management decisions. In this talk, we will discuss threats to oak regeneration like deer browse and invasive species, how to overcome them, and what can happen if management is not undertaken.

Pennsylvania’s Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Managing Your Woods

Chuck Coup, Program Manager, Pennsylvania Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee

Room 104

For anyone who has undertaken a timber harvest on their property, you know that BMPs, or Best Management Practices, are critical practices to prevent erosion and sedimentation and protect water. Recently, SFI worked with the PA Department of Environmental Protection to update Pennsylvania’s BMPs with new standards. Learn about important BMPs to practice on your land and the new guidance provided to landowners and practitioners.

 

SESSION 3

Friday, 11:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.

 

Hardwood Markets and Forest Product Industry Trends

Jonathan Geyer, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Hardwoods Development Council

Room 208

Have you ever wondered where the lumber from your timber sale likely ended up? Explore US and Pennsylvania hardwood markets, better understand Pennsylvania’s forest by diving into the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis data, and learn about Pennsylvania projects that will enhance wood utilization opportunities!

Uses and Deployment of Trail Cameras on Your Forestland

Alan Sekula, Family Forest Steward in Training

Room 207

The proliferation and enhancement of trail camera technology has expanded the uses offered to forest landowners. Gain a perspective on the uses and potential benefits offered to help you discern how your land management can be supported by this technology.  Learn about the different types of trail cameras and the differentiating features to consider. Hear about forest owner experiences of deploying and managing trail cameras and the challenges that can be experienced.

Plant Local: The Promise and Pitfalls of Nursery Plants in Landscaping

Norris Muth, Professor, Juniata College Department of Biology

Room 205

This presentation will address invasive plant species problems beyond banning the problematic species we already have. What means do we have to control new invasive species from showing up in our landscapes, how can we avoid inviting them in, and how can we be intentional in our interactions with nursery plants?

The Lost Polish Pines of Alliance College

Mark Lewis, Service Forester, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 112

Alliance College, the first Polish National College in the country, had a rich Polish history. Many alumni remember fondly the Polish Pines. But where are they now, almost 100 years later? Join us on a forest forensics search through history to find where the pines were planted, how they were established and by whom, and finally, if there are any still alive. Service Forester Mark Lewis leads us on an historical journey to find the lost Polish Pines of Alliance College.

Build It and They Will Come

Dave Cole, Forester, PA Department of Agriculture

Room 109

Would you like to improve the wildlife habitat on your property? What options do you have? Where do you begin? How do you decide the best approach to reach your goals? What hidden obstacles might be in your path? This presentation will attempt to provide practical answers to these questions and more.
(This presentation contains foundational information for novice landowners.)

Profiles of Great Forest Stewardship

Sanford “Sandy” Smith, Teaching Professor and Extension Specialist in Forest Resources, Penn State

David Trimpey, PA Forest Landowner, Chappel Hill Tree Farm (Warren County)

Mike and Laura Jackson, PA Forest Landowners, Mountain Meadows Tree Farm (Bedford County)

Seth Cassell, PA Forest Landowner, Stone House Farm (Dauphin County) and State Forester, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 108

Forest stewards have much to learn from their peers, especially those who have practiced forest stewardship for many years. This session will introduce several experienced forest stewards and include video visits to their forestlands. The video visits will be followed by a Q&A and sharing session among the stewards and the audience.

LandYield: Connecting Family Forests to the Carbon Market

Joshua Fain, Director, LandYield

Room 107

LandYield was created to specifically address the barriers that have long kept many family forest owners out of the carbon market. Our mission is to create high-integrity projects that provide families with the revenue they need to conserve and enhance their forests, while keeping their land intact and in the family. Join us for a presentation on the key details of our forest carbon program and a question-and-answer session. We use an approved methodology designed specifically with family forests in mind to return more value to the landowner, as well as handling all monitoring, reporting, and verification requirements throughout the life of the project. Learn about our tools and processes that allow landowners to choose what forest stands they would like to enroll. The LandYield program is available to private, non-industrial forest owners who own 40 to 5,000 forested acres.  Conserving private forests is critically important to meeting climate goals over the next few decades as well as being recognized as one of the most cost-effective methods to address carbon emissions.

Forestland Ownership from a Service Forester’s Perspective

Taylor Chamberlin, Service Forester, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 106

Working with private landowners to implement forest management activities that help meet their individual conservation goals is a key role of service foresters. However, their knowledge doesn’t only come from education and work experience, but also from time as forest landowners (for those lucky enough to have both experiences). To better serve his clients, Taylor has spent years talking-the-talk and walking-the-walk as he’s implemented many of the management practices he recommends to others on his own property. Join to learn from his firsthand experience and insight into the challenges and rewards of private land ownership and sustainability.
(This presentation contains foundational information for novice landowners.)

Road Stream Crossings: How to Help the Stream Help You

Philip Thomas, Stream Restoration Specialist, Trout Unlimited

Room 105

In an emergency, access to your property is important! This presentation will introduce Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) and the considerations when planning a road-stream crossing. Improper or undersized culverts generate a host of issues not limited to streambank erosion (the loss of property coupled with excess sediment inputs that degrade water quality), the blockage of upstream and downstream passage of organisms limiting migration, and not to mention the loss of access to the property with a vehicle! A properly installed stream crossing not only benefits the organisms in and around the stream, but provides the biggest benefits to you, the landowner. Road-stream crossings designed and installed to accommodate AOP will reduce or eliminate maintenance needs and associated costs, reduce the risk of crossing failure during extreme weather events, and provide a structure whose lifespan will outlive you.

Fixing Our Farm Woodlands, One Silvopasture at a Time

Brett Chedzoy, Regional Extension Forester, Cornell University Cooperative Extension

Room 104

Farm woodlands are an abundant part of many farms in the Northeast, but do we use this asset to support our farms?   Silvopasturing is an opportunity to both restore degraded farm woodlands and sustainably use them for production and profit objectives. Learn how silvopasturing is different from “cows in the woods” and how it can be practically adopted on woodlands in support of larger grazing operations.

 

SESSION 4

Friday, 1:45 – 2:30 p.m.

 

Managing Habitat for Grouse and Woodcock

Clayton Lutz, Wildlife Recovery Biologist, PA Game Commission

Room 208

This presentation will review the habitat needs of these popular game birds that are also Pennsylvania Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Learn what these birds require to survive and reproduce in Penn’s Woods, and learn how landowners can manage their properties to support these birds.

Vegetation Dynamics and Regeneration Response inside Slash Walls

Peter Smallidge, Extension Forester, Cornell University

Room 207

Slash walls have proven to exclude deer and allow for natural forest regeneration to establish. Slash walls have been adopted in eight states on family, industrial, conservancy, state, and federal ownerships. Results of research conducted at Cornell University’s Arnot Forest will be presented to illustrate the effectiveness of forest regeneration inside slash walls and the dynamics of forest vegetation in the absence of deer. Management recommendations will be offered for woodland owners and foresters.

An Introduction to Conservation-based Estate Planning

Paul Roth, PhD, Project Manager, Finley Center for Private Forests

Room 205

If you are considering ways you can sustain and support the stewardship of your forestland through your estate planning efforts, come learn more about conservation-based estate planning (CBEP). CBEP is a process that can help forest landowners set the stage for a successful ownership transition of their forestland that embraces a stewardship ethic and supports working forests. In this session, we’ll walk through the planning process, highlighting recent research and outreach materials available to support your efforts, discussing common barriers often encountered, sharing tips for navigating potentially difficult conversations with family, and providing recommendations aimed at facilitating planning success. Come learn more about how conservation-based estate planning can help you meet your intergenerational forest stewardship goals.

The Pennsylvania Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Training Program 

Jesse Kreye, Associate Research Professor of Fire and Natural Resources Management, Penn State

David Cavanaugh, Pennsylvania Fire Program Lead, The Nature Conservancy

Room 112

Prescribed burning is being more widely used in Pennsylvania to manage forests and non-forest ecosystems. A new Pennsylvania Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (CPBM) program was launched in 2024 to provide training and certification to those who wish to conduct low complexity burns in PA under the PA burn standards. This presentation will provide consultants and interested landowners an overview of the PA CPBM program, including the requirements to get into the training, the training itself, and the certification process. The advantages of burning under this certification program will also be discussed.

Know Your Funga

Hannah Huber, Conservation Mycologist, PA Natural Heritage Program

Room 109

You know your land’s flora and fauna. Do you know your land’s funga? Pennsylvania is home to over 6,000 species of fungi, and new species are continually being discovered. Many of these species are native, integral members of the ecosystem, but location data for many fungi are lacking, making it difficult to assess whether their populations are secure or threatened. Developing your local fungal knowledge can be a new way to engage with your land, and your observations could contribute meaningfully to our understanding of fungal population health on the state scale. This session will provide the “state of the fungi,” instruction on how to conduct your own fungal diversity survey (beginner-friendly), and how you can participate in fungal conservation efforts.

Restoring Streams through Large Wood Replenishment, a.k.a. “Chop and Drop”

Sanford “Sandy” Smith, Teaching Professor and Extension Specialist in Forest Resources, Penn State

Luke Bobnar and Nick Micsky, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Clare William Hanson II, PA Forest Landowner, Hemlock Hollow Tree Farm (Warren County)

Room 108

A method called “large wood replenishment,” or “chop and drop” by some, offers a novel approach to restoring the large woody debris that was lost from streams after widespread forest cutting at the end of the 19th century. Through the strategic placement of downed trees, “structures” are built in streams that slow water flow, improve fish habitat, enhance water quality, and restore many ecosystem functions, such as flood control and sediment capture. Learn how best to create habitat through these strategies.

Stewardship at the Bureau of Forestry

John Schwartzer, Woodland Stewardship Practices Specialist, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

John Portzline, Chief, Woodland Stewardship Section, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Ryan Davis, Senior Forests Projects Manager, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

Room 107

The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry Woodland Stewardship Section has been working hard to build resources and cultivate tools to support landowners and the service foresters who serve them. Join this session to learn about new initiatives the Bureau is undertaking, including the Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive program, providing native trees to landowners to replace removed invasive plants, efforts to support private lands management, and the all-important resource of the service foresters and the help they can provide you.
(This presentation contains foundational information for novice landowners.)

Tree Identification Basics

Jessica Pierce, Forester, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 106

Learn beginner-level tree identification skills in Tree Identification Basics. Attendees will discuss tree characteristics and tools they can use to learn more about the trees on their property.
(This presentation contains foundational information for novice landowners.)

Take a Walk on the Wild Side of Wellness

Suzann Schiemer, Educator, PA Master Naturalist

Room 104

Have you ever considered supporting your health and well-being by taking a walk in the woods? Based on findings from the document, The State of Our Health: A Statewide Health Assessment of Pennsylvania, nature-based wellness practices are well worth considering. There are numerous published research papers showing that spending time in nature benefits a variety of wellness dimensions. This presentation will explore several research-based DIY (Do It Yourself) techniques that can boost your walk in the woods to the level of a WELLNESS WALK in the woods. Come, grow your knowledge and build your skills, and enjoy the wellness benefits offered in your woods.

 

SESSION 5

Friday, 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.

 

Forest Management for Wildlife Habitat

Stephen Chilcote, Owner, Stephen A. Chilcote Land & Timber Consulting

Room 208

When the North American continent was first settled by Europeans, they celebrated the abundance of game and forests, and worked hard to best use those resources. Through the arc of history and settlement, America went from abundance to scarcity, with decimated bison, elk, and deer herds, loss of chestnut, and now loss of beech and hemlock forests. Learn about present-day restoration efforts and steps you can take to get back abundant wildlife populations and resilient forests. Methods include improving timber stands, re-introducing native forage plants, and planting supplemental food plots, with a particular focus on small property habitat improvement.

A Conversation with Ethan Tapper

Room 207

Dive into an engaging and casual discussion with Ethan Tapper, a punk-rocking, tree-chopping, change-maker from Vermont. This interactive session will feature a unique opportunity to explore Ethan’s insights and experiences as a land steward, author, forester, and thoughtful community member. Don't miss the chance to be part of this lively and informative conversation!

Hemlock Resistance to Invasive Insect Pests: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Elongate Hemlock Scale

Sarah Johnson, Forest Health Specialist, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Amanda Penn, Forest Geneticist, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 205

Eastern hemlock across its range is threatened by non-native insect pests: hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) and elongate hemlock scale. Without treatment, most hemlocks decline within a few years of heavy infestation, particularly by HWA, but decline is faster when both pests are present. Genetic resistance or resilience is present in native hemlock populations. Mechanisms of this resistance or resilience are still being studied. This presentation will discuss resistance, how to identify potential resistance, and how finding and cultivating this resistance can inform future management of our threatened hemlock.

Forest Fermentables: Basic Winemaking Steps

Scott Weikert, Forest Resources Educator, Penn State Extension

Room 112

Making wine is relatively easy. Making good wine takes a little more thought and effort. This session will review some fruits that may be found on your property that can be used to make your own wine. The presentation will also discuss preparing fruit for fermentation, sanitation, making adjustments to the juice, the fermentation process, bottling, and aging.

Timber Harvesting: From Planning to Retirement

Julian Maza, Forester, Pinchot District, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 109

Undertaking a commercial timber harvest can be one of the most altering and impactful management activities you perform on your property. Proper steps must be taken to ensure you and your forest will benefit the most out of a timber harvest. This presentation will cover steps you should be taking to properly plan for a timber harvest, as well as what to do post-harvest.
(This presentation contains foundational information for novice landowners.)

Understanding and Managing Legal Liability: Recreational Users, Trespassers, and Children

Brook Duer, Staff Attorney, Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, Penn State Dickinson Law

Room 108

The potential liability for personal injury or property damage occurring in the course of opening your land to visitors, or even arising from habitual trespassing, should always be on the radar of owners and possessors of forested, farmed, or undeveloped lands. This session will cover the legal landscape that governs such claims, and the legal principles and laws that apply. Get a very “short course” in risk management which will help attendees navigate the real (and maybe even some imagined) risks.

Conserving Forestland: What Are the Options for a Forest Landowner?

Matt Marusiak, Land Protection Manager, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Room 107

You have been a good steward of your forestland and are proud of your management. But do you worry about keeping the forest intact and functioning as working woodlands for future generations? If so, you may want to consider working with a land trust to conserve your property. This session will cover working forest conservation options and considerations, explain how conservation easements work, and walk you through the steps of a land conservation project.

American Beech: A Tree with a Troubled Future

Calvin Norman, Assistant Teaching Professor of Forestry, Penn State

Room 106

American beech (Fagus grandifolia) was an historically important hardwood species that fed everything from Blue Jays to black bears. However, due to several pests and pathogens, its future is imperiled. In this talk, attendees will learn all about beech bark disease, beech leaf disease, and what the future may hold for this dying species.

The History of Pennsylvania Forests: An Ecological Perspective

Lin Greenaway, Service Forester, Sproul State Forest, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 105

Just how did that oak forest get there? Penn’s Woods are under a constant state of influence from numerous factors, including geology, climate, man-caused (indigenous and introduced), fire, and invasive species. These impacts will be discussed, as well as the interaction of human activities and forests. Participants will learn how the state’s major land cover has responded to these influences.

Enhancing Pennsylvania’s Forests for Grouse and Woodcock

Aaron Lewis, PA Forest Conservation Coordinator, Ruffed Grouse Society

Room 104

Grouse and woodcock are species of great conservation concern in Pennsylvania, with populations continuing to decline across the region due to habitat loss. By actively managing their forests, forest landowners can create habitat for grouse, woodcock, and many other wildlife species.

 

SESSION 6

Friday, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.

Fostering Forest Bird Habitat and Ecosystem Resilience Through Management

Guy Dunkle, Land Manager, Foundation for Sustainable Forests

Steve Latta, Director of Conservation Research, National Aviary

Annie Maloney, Executive Director, Foundation for  Sustainable Forests

Cassandra Ziegler, PhD Candidate, Duquesne University

Room 208

For the past four years, National Aviary researcher Dr. Steve Latta and his team, including PhD candidate Cassandra Ziegler, have partnered with The Foundation for Sustainable Forests (FSF) to explore the impact of uneven-aged forest management on two groups of birds of conservation concern — early successional species and species requiring interior forest habitats. During this session, we will describe this bird study in FSF-managed forests and share findings to date. The FSF team will provide an overview of their management approach and offer tips for landowners looking to foster more diverse bird habitat on their land.

Tick Talk: How to Protect Yourself from Tick Bites

Emily Struckhoff, Extension Program Specialist, Penn State Extension

Room 207

Have you ever been bitten by a tick while in the forest? Pennsylvania consistently has some of the highest numbers of Lyme disease cases in the United States, and Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are common throughout the state. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of tick bites when working or spending time outdoors. During this presentation, attendees will learn about ticks and tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania. Topics covered will include tick biology, how ticks cause disease, and how to use this knowledge to prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Which tick species are present in Pennsylvania forests and strategies for tick control will also be discussed.

Who Is This ‘Service Forester’ and What Can They Do for Me?

Mark Lewis, Service Forester, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Room 205

Obtaining reliable and unbiased advice about caring for private forestland property can be difficult. There are pitfalls that forest landowners may encounter when seeking help. The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry provides for a service forester in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, free of charge. Join Mark Lewis, service forester of Crawford County for 33 years and counting, to find out the role service foresters play in working with private forest landowners, forest landowner organizations, and conservation partners in Pennsylvania.
(This presentation contains foundational information for novice landowners.)

Shelter Farms and Land Patents: One Landowner’s Inquiry into Landowner Rights and Responsibilities

Lance Yarish, PA Forest Steward

Room 112

This presentation serves as an introduction into the difference in owning your land versus merely having an interest in it. Join woodland owner Lance Yarish as he shares his years of experience studying land rights and law and equity. We’ll cover what a land patent is and the historical policies of land ownership since the US became an independent nation. We’ll talk about the creation of warranty deeds in 1946, touch on US constitutional and treaty law, code enforcement, and how you too can be an informed woodland owner about your land rights and responsibilities.

DIY: Crop Tree Release

Mike Powell, Forest Resources Extension Educator, Penn State

Room 109

Making management decisions in your woodland can be a daunting task. Which trees to cut or save will have an impact on the future of that stand with regard to health, recreation, value, and tree variety. Crop tree release (CTR) is a process that can be applied on small and large properties to aid landowners with this task. Participants will learn how to implement CTR in their woodlot: which trees to save and remove, tools necessary to complete the release safely and efficiently, and the best times of the year to do this. If your goal for owning a forestland is listed above, CTR can help you meet that objective.

Drones in the Woods

Cameron Woodring, AGREX

Room 108

This presentation will explore how drone technology is advancing precision agriculture in forests and orchards. This session will also discuss research on accurate pesticide application for tree health management, focusing on targeted control for forest pests, real-time data collection to monitor forest conditions, and integrated soil health monitoring. Through practical examples and case studies, participants will discover how drones can offer more efficient, sustainable, and precise solutions for managing their lands.
(Presenter will provide paperwork for PDA credits.)

 

Basic Hardwood ID Using a Hand Lens

Scott Weikert, Forest Resources Educator, Penn State Extension

Room 107

Many landowners and woods enthusiasts have built expertise in identifying tree species based on leaves, branches, and bark, but did you know you can also identify species based on characteristics of their wood? In this session, participants will learn key features to look for to aid in identifying common hardwood lumber using just a hand lens.

Planting for Pollinators: How to Plant and Maintain Native Wildflower Meadows

Laura Jackson, PA Forest Landowner, Mountain Meadows Tree Farm

Room 106

End the mowing madness! Learn how to turn part of your yard or fallow field into a beautiful meadow that will nurture insects and birds. Native bees and Monarch butterflies especially depend on native plants. A native wildflower meadow looks peaceful and beautiful, but danger and intrigue abound for the insects that live there. This program will introduce you to the fascinating world of native wildflowers and their pollinators. Handouts available with “how-do” details.

Growing Wealth in Your Natural Capital Account and Your Bank Account

Max Nova, CEO, Natural Capital Exchange (NCX)

Room 105

What's in your natural capital account? From carbon and wildlife habitat to timber and solar energy, you have a portfolio of “natural capital” on your land. It’s becoming possible to monetize your land’s natural capital through emerging markets for things like carbon credits. How should you choose between carbon and timber? How can you grow both your natural capital account AND your bank account? Attendees will gain practical guidance on evaluating natural capital market opportunities to build a strategy that achieves their vision for their land and their family.

How to Build and Manage Vernal Pools for Specific Ecological Outcomes

Taylor Blackman, PhD Student, Forest Resources, Penn State

Room 104

Vernal pools are small ephemeral wetlands that occur naturally by the thousands across Pennsylvania. Because of their size and hydrology, pools can be established on even small parcels of land. This talk will discuss ways to create and manage vernal pools on private land for amphibian habitat, wetland plants, and as a food/water resource for non-aquatic forest species.
(First of two student presentations in Room 104 during Session 6.)

Pennsylvania Forest Landowner Data and Discoveries

Sasha Soto, PhD Candidate, Forest Resources, Penn State

Room 104

For private forest landowners, being aware of and understanding the many different forest management approaches, available resources, information sources, and ways to access assistance can be confusing and overwhelming. We asked private forest landowners to describe their woodlands and experiences as caretakers of their forests. They shared insights and perceptions regarding their land-use interests, actions, and concerns. Come see how these survey responses were combined with other known data to observe commonalities and trends across Pennsylvania. Learn how we can use this information to plan for educational and assistance programs to benefit future private forest landowners.
(Second of two student presentations in Room 104 during Session 6.)