> December 2023

December 5...Tuscaloosa County 10 AM.
State Oil and Gas Board of Alabama Meeting in the Board Room of Walter B. Jones Hall, 420 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa. Learn more about the out of sight, out of mind natural resources of Alabama. This regularly scheduled meeting is open to the public. For more information call (205) 349-2852.

December 5...Fayette/Marion County 5 - 8 PM.
Northwest Beginner Landowner Workshop at Winfield Community Center, 400 Community Street, Winfield. This event is the final session in a three part series. In this session, we will learn about managing for wildlife, setting up an estate plan, and other land management learning opportunities. Fee: $20; dinner included if registered by December 1. For more information contact Kerry Steedley at (334) 350-0485 or kes0150@aces.edu.

December 5...Corinth, Mississippi 6 PM.
Wildlife Management at Alcorn County Extension Office, 2200 Levee Road. Speaker: Josh Nunley. RSVP to the Alcorn Extension Office at (662) 286-7755.

December 6...Online 12 Noon - 1 PM CT.
Human-Armadillo Conflicts in Alabama will be presented via Zoom. This presentation will discuss recent research regarding Armadillo and human conflicts. Survey results evaluating damage, risk, and control throughout Alabama will be discussed as well as the occurrence of leprosy in a recent study. Registration required. For more information contact Norm Haley at (256) 574-2143 or nvh0001@aces.edu.

December 6...Montgomery County 12 Noon - 1 PM.
Christmas Wreaths & Garlands From Nature at Montgomery Cultural Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery.  Mallory Kelley, Regional Extension Agent and Horticulturist, will teach you how to make beautiful wreaths and garlands from nature. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy while you listen and learn. For more information call the Montgomery County Extension at (334) 270-4133.

December 7...Coffeeville, Mississippi 6 PM.
ArborGen Seedlings at the Yalobusha County Extension Office, 18025 Highway 7. Speaker: Paul Jeffreys, ArborGen. For more information or to RSVP, call the Extension Office at (662) 675-2730.

December 7...Holly Springs, Mississippi 6 PM.
Forestry Economic Development at the Marshall County Extension Office, 120 South Spring Street. Speaker: Marc Measells. For more information or to RSVP, call the Extension Office at (662) 252-3541.

December 8...Madison, Florida 9 AM - 2 PM ET.
Land Steward Tour at the Matheny Property, 753 NE Dill Street. Topics will include, upland pine habitat restoration, wildlife management, longleaf pine regeneration, prescribed burning, connecting to assistance, and more. This will be a walking tour less than 1 mile total. Wear appropriate clothing and bring a water bottle. Fee: $15; lunch included. For more information contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu. This tour was originally scheduled October 27.

December 9-10...Montgomery County.
This Trappers Education Workshop will be for ladies only. The workshop passes on the historical aspects of trapping, biological information concerning furbearers and furbearer management, and allows students to learn the proper techniques that include the use of trapping as a sound wildlife management tool. Recommended ages 7 and up. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $10. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.

December 11-12...Athens, Georgia.
Southern Forestry and Natural Resource Management GIS Conference at The Georgia Center for Continuing Education, 1197 South Lumpkin Street. This conference encompasses topics related to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in forestry and natural resource management. Topics will include Mapping, UAVS, Forest Inventory, Natural hazards, Recreation, Forest economics, GPS, LiDar, Remote sensing, and more. Fee: $360. Contact James Johnson at (706) 308-6396 or james.johnson26@uga.edu.

 Canceled December 12...Madison County.
Special Primary Election for vacant Alabama House District 10 seat due to the resignation of State Representative David Cole. A runoff, if needed, will be held January 9, 2024, and the special general election will be March 26, 2024.

December 12...Online 12 Noon CT.
ForestHer Webinar Series: Alabama Tree Farm Program will be presented via Zoom. This lunch and learn is for women that own forestland or are just interested in learning more about forestry. All landowners are welcome. Speaker: Cliff O'Rear, Alabama Forestry Association. Pre-registration required. For more information contact Becky Barlow at (334) 844-1019 or becky.barlow@auburn.edu.

December 12...Elmore County 12 Noon - 1 PM.
Lunch & Learn: Winter Hummingbirds at First Presbyterian Church, 100 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka. Fred Bassett, President of Hummingbird Research will show you the species of hummingbirds you can attract by feeding for hummingbirds all year long. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy while you listen and learn. For more information call the Elmore County Extension at (334) 567-6301.

December 12...Burns, Tennessee 5:30 PM.
Tennessee Forestry Association (TFA) Regional Meeting at Montgomery Bell State Park Lodge. Program topics will include: FSA Assistance, Support Programs for Landowners, Update on Grants, and TDA Programs to Assist Wood Industry. Fee: $30. Contact Dana Howard at (615) 883-3832 or dhoward@tnforestry.com.

December 12...Quitman, Mississippi 6 PM.
Reforestation of Your Land at Chefski's Restaurant, 124 Main Street. Speaker: Paul Jeffreys, ArborGen. Register by December 8. For more information or to RSVP, call the Clarke County Extension Office at (601) 776-3951.

December 12...Ashland, Mississippi 6 PM.
Bark Beetles at the Benton County Agri Center, 17136 Highway 5. Speaker: Butch Bailey, Mississippi State University Extension. For more information or to RSVP, call the Benton County Extension at (662) 224-6330.

December 14...Carrollton, Georgia 12:30 PM - 4:45 PM ET.
Deer Management and Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be presented via Zoom Meeting. This short course aims to provide technical information on specific techniques, including BMPs, used to enhance and preserve wildlife habitat on forested land. Instructor: Dr. James Johnson. Must register by December 13. Fee: $120. Contact James Johnson at (706) 308-6396 or james.johnson26@uga.edu.

December 14...Crossville, Tennessee 5 PM.
Tennessee Forestry Association (TFA) Regional Meeting at Cumberland Mountain State Park Lodge, 24 Office Drive. Program topics will include Looking Back on a Forestry Career and an Update on University of Tennessee School of Natural Resources. Fee: $30. Contact Dana Howard at (615) 883-3832 or dhoward@tnforestry.com.

December 14-15...Online.
Mapping With Drones will be presented via Zoom. The major goal of this workshop is to provide professionals with the knowledge to operate a drone legally, safely, and effectively. The introductory level professional development opportunity can be considered as a drone boot-camp. No prior 'drone' operation or mapping experience is necessary. This workshop prepares individuals to take the FAA’s Part 107 test. Registration closes about 1 month prior to the workshop. Fee: $250. For more information contact Virginia Tech's John McGee at jmcg@vt.edu.

December 15...DeKalb County 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM.
Hike with a Naturalist will meet at Jacksonville State University's Little River Canyon Center on Alabama Highway 35. This 2 mile trail is considered strenuous with varying and steep terrain. There is little to no cell phone reception. Weather dependent. Bring water, snacks/lunch, and sturdy walking shoes/boots. If weather is questionable or for details, call the Canyon Center at (256) 845-3548.

December 30-31...Bibb County.
Trappers Education Workshop at 5252 Highway 219, Centreville. The workshop passes on the historical aspects of trapping, biological information concerning furbearers and furbearer management, and allows students to learn the proper techniques that include the use of trapping as a sound wildlife management tool. Recommended ages 7 and up. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $10. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.

> January 2024

January 1...Shelby County 5:15 - 8:15 AM.
First Day Hike at Oak Mountain State Park at the North Trailhead for a pre-sunrise hike to King's Chair. Use Front Gate Entrance Only. This is considered an advanced hike for some. Not stroller friendly. Wear good shoes/boots, bring water, bring snacks, and bring a flashlight as it will be dark. The hike will begin at 5:30 so arrive early. For more information call Oak Mountain State Park at (205) 620-2520.

January 1...Baldwin County 9 AM.
First Day Hike at Gulf State Park, 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores. Meet at the end of Lake Shelby parking lot. The park naturalist will lead this fun and silly 2.3 mile hike. Hot chocolate available prior to the hike.

January 1...DeKalb/Jackson/Marshall County 9 - 11 AM.
First Day Hike at Buck's Pocket State Park will meet at the Camp Store, 393 County Road 174, Grove Oak. Join park staff for this 2 mile out & back hike. This hike is considered moderate to hard due to elevation change. Weather dependent. Bring water, snacks/lunch, and sturdy walking shoes/boots. Fee: $5; for parking. If weather is questionable call the park office at (256) 622-8400.

January 1...DeKalb County 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
First Day Hike at DeSoto State Park will meet at the Country Store & Information Center, County Road 89, Fort Payne. This 7 mile hike is considered moderate. Weather dependent. Bring water, snacks/lunch, and sturdy walking shoes/boots. If weather is questionable call the park lodge at (256) 845-5380.

January 1...Marshall County 10 AM - 12 Noon.
First Day Hike at Lake Guntersville State Park, 1157 Lodge Drive, Guntersville. Meet in the lodge lobby. This 3 mile hike is considered moderate difficulty so wear good shoes/boots and bring water. For more information call (256) 571-5444.

January 1...Lee County 2 - 3 PM.
First Day Hike at Chewacla State Park. This is a hike to the waterfall. It is for all ages and will include a scavenger hunt. Meet at the nature center located at the second parking loop in the park. Fee: $2-4 depending on age. The fee is for entrance to the park.

January 4-5...Online.
Mapping With Drones will be presented via Zoom. The major goal of this workshop is to provide professionals with the knowledge to operate a drone legally, safely, and effectively. The introductory level professional development opportunity can be considered as a drone boot-camp. No prior 'drone' operation or mapping experience is necessary. This workshop prepares individuals to take the FAA’s Part 107 test. Registration closes about 1 month prior to the workshop. Fee: $250. For more information contact Virginia Tech's John McGee at jmcg@vt.edu.

January 6-7...Jefferson County.
Trappers Education Workshop at 2840 Eastern Valley Road (Highway 119), Leeds. The workshop passes on the historical aspects of trapping, biological information concerning furbearers and furbearer management, and allows students to learn the proper techniques that include the use of trapping as a sound wildlife management tool. Recommended ages 7 and up. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $10. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.

January 9...Fayette/Jefferson/Tuscaloosa Counties.
Special General Election will be held for the vacant Alabama House District 16 seat.

January 9...Madison/Marshall/Blount Counties.
Special Primary Election will be held for the vacant Alabama Senate District 9 seat. The seat became vacant after Clay Scofield (R) resigned. A primary runoff, if needed, will take place on February 6, 2024. The special general election will occur on April 23, 2024.

January 12...Calhoun County 9 - 11 AM CT.
Basics for Farm and Forest Recordkeeping at the Oxford Civic Center, Room 101, 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford. Introduction to recordkeeping for farmers and forestland owners. Topics will include enrollment in the Current Use tax program, enrolling with the Farm Services Agency as well as an overview of the programs and services that they offer, and learning about the wide variety of records that you should be maintaining as a forest landowner. For more information contact Amy Gaddy at (256) 689-8041 or amy@mtmenvironmentalllc.com.

January 17...Dallas County 10 AM - 1 PM.
Wild Pig Management at the Southern Sportsman Hunting Lodge, 9022 Highway 80 West, Tyler. Wild pigs can quickly outcompete native wildlife through their high reproductive potential, lack of natural predators, and effective forage capability. If you have wild pigs on your property, attend this event to find out the latest management techniques. For more information contact Lynn Dickinson at (334) 303-8360 or rhodela@aces.edu.

January 18...Elmore County.
Annual Nonpoint Source Conference at the Wetumpka Civic Center in Wetumpka. The conference format consists of presentations on projects, topics, efforts associated with nonpoint source pollution and its impact on water quality. For more information contact Susan Summerlin at (334) 394-4354 or susan.summerlin@adem.alabama.gov. Editor’s Note: Nonpoint Source Water Quality Regulations have a direct affect on the management of, and income from, your land.

January 19 - February 4…Marshall County.
Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park, 1155 Lodge Drive, Guntersville. This program runs through a select number of weekends in January and February. 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. Day passes are available on a limited basis. For pricing & reservations, call Lake Guntersville State Park at (256) 571-5440.

January 20-21...Escambia County.
Trappers Education Workshop at 1133 Bell Creek Road, Atmore. The workshop passes on the historical aspects of trapping, biological information concerning furbearers and furbearer management, and allows students to learn the proper techniques that include the use of trapping as a sound wildlife management tool. Recommended ages 7 and up. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $10. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.

January 24-25...Bushnell, Florida.
Wildlife & Invasive Species Education at Sumter County Extension, 7620 SR 471, Suite 2. Workshop and field tours on a variety of topics. For more information contact the Sumter County Florida Extension at (352) 569-6862.

January 26...Madison County, Florida.
Landowner Tour at Terry Putnal's property. Terry is the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. Join other landowners and professionals to explore a diversified timber and pine straw operation. Some walking required, so wear appropriate clothing. Space is limited. Fee: $15; lunch included. For more information contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu.

January 27...Marshall County 12 Noon - 4 PM.
Year of Alabama Birding Photography Workshop at Lake Guntersville State Park. Join Beth Cowan Drake from Alabama the Beautiful for a photography workshop designed to teach the field techniques of bird photography. Pre-registration is required by January 25. Fee: $35. For more information contact Indya Guthrie at (256) 571-5445 or indya.guthrie@dcnr.alabama.gov.

January 28-30...Baldwin County.
The State of Alabama's Governance will be held at the Grand Hotel, 1 Grand Boulevard, Point Clear. The seminar focuses on the state of the state and specifically addresses issues of importance to the state that will be topics during the upcoming legislative session. Fee: $350. Contact Tom Saunders at (334) 481-2135 or tsaunders@alaforestry.org.

> February 2024

February 10-11...Jackson County.
Trappers Education Workshop at the Jackson County Wildlife Management Area, 234 County Road 141, Hollywood. The workshop passes on the historical aspects of trapping, biological information concerning furbearers and furbearer management, and allows students to learn the proper techniques that include the use of trapping as a sound wildlife management tool. Recommended ages 7 and up. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $10. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.

February 17...DeKalb County 8 AM.
Traditional Hunter Education Course at 1904 Williams Avenue, Fort Payne. No fee. This is a one day class with lunch provided on-site. To register, email Scott Kellenberger at scott.kellenberger@dcnr.alabama.gov. 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. For additional information contact Marisa Futral at 1-800-245-2740 or marisa.futral@dcnr.alabama.gov.

February 17-18...Baldwin County.
Trappers Education Workshop at the District V Wildlife Office, 30571 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort. The workshop passes on the historical aspects of trapping, biological information concerning furbearers and furbearer management, and allows students to learn the proper techniques that include the use of trapping as a sound wildlife management tool. Recommended ages 7 and up. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $10. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.

February 21-23...Athens, Georgia.
Southeastern Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting at The Classic Center, 300 N. Thomas Street. Fee: $575 non-member; $125 discount if paid by January 5. For more information contact Susan McMichael at (706) 457-1842 or se.saf.businessmanager@gmail.com.

February 24...Barbour County 8 AM - 5 PM.
Traditional Hunter Education Course at Eufaula Country Outdoors, 227 East Broad Street, Eufaula. No fee. This is a one day class with a one hour lunch break. Bring your lunch. To register, call Blair Sistrunk at (334) 775-3434. 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. For additional information contact Marisa Futral at 1-800-245-2740 or marisa.futral@dcnr.alabama.gov.

February 24-25...Pike County.
Trappers Education Workshop at Coastal Plain Land & Timber, 3880 County Road 1165, Troy. The workshop passes on the historical aspects of trapping, biological information concerning furbearers and furbearer management, and allows students to learn the proper techniques that include the use of trapping as a sound wildlife management tool. Recommended ages 7 and up. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $10. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.

> March 2024

March 2...Pickens County 8 AM - 5 PM.
Traditional Hunter Education Course at the Gordo Police Department Firing Range. No fee. This is a one day class with lunch provided. Enjoy live fire including archery, rifles, and shotguns. To register, call Joseph Richardson at (205) 232-1031. 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. For additional information contact Marisa Futral at 1-800-245-2740 or marisa.futral@dcnr.alabama.gov.

March 5...Statewide.
Primary Election

March 9...Shelby County 8 AM - 5 PM.
Traditional Hunter Education Course at the State Shooting Range, 19204 Highway 25, Columbiana. No fee. This is a one day class with a one hour lunch break. Enjoy live fire including archery, rifles, and shotguns. To register, call Chas Moore at (205) 339-5716. 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. For additional information contact Marisa Futral at 1-800-245-2740 or marisa.futral@dcnr.alabama.gov.

March 26...Madison County.
Special General Election will be held for the vacant Alabama House District 10 seat due to the resignation of State Representative David Cole.

> April 2024

April 5...Autauga County 10 AM - 1 PM.
Recreational Pond Management at Pratt Park, 460 Doster Road, Prattville. Whether you are experiencing weed issues, not sure if or when you should fertilize, or when to stock fish, this workshop will answer all your questions. We will also tackle wildlife issues such as beaver and otter control. Fee: $5. For more information contact Lynn Dickinson at (334) 303-8360 or rhodela@aces.edu.

AFOA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM & ANNUAL MEETING April 16-17...Barbour County. Location: Headquartered at the Lakepoint State Park Lodge & Convention Center, 104 Lakepoint Drive, Eufaula, AL 36027. Location on Google Maps. Reserve Your Room: Call (334) 687-8011. To access AFOA's block of rooms, mention the Alabama Forest Owners' Association - Group Code 6542.   You may also book your Lakepoint State Park Lodge room here: Lodging Description: Both the Mail-in and Online Program Agenda and Attendee Registration will contain the most up-to-date meeting information for regular attendees. Please remember details will change as the meeting draws closer. Some items may become inaccurate as plans change. If you print the agenda, make sure you come back and print it again closer to the meeting date. REGISTRATION:      Online Program Agenda and Attendee Registration      Mail-in Program Agenda and Attendee Registration      Agenda     Exhibitors and/or Sponsors      Registration Form         There will be a link and QR code for Exhibitors and/or Sponsors only.

April 20...Tuscaloosa County 9 AM - 6 PM.
Traditional Hunter Education Course at the Brookwood Public Service Building, 15689 Highway 216, Brookwood. No fee. This is a one day class with a one hour lunch break. Enjoy live fire including archery, rifles, and shotguns. To register, call Clifford Quinn at (334) 431-0349. 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. For additional information contact Marisa Futral at 1-800-245-2740 or marisa.futral@dcnr.alabama.gov.

> July 2024

July 19-21...Jefferson County.
Annual World Deer Expo at Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, 2100 Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham. The expo will have hunting products, apparel, outfitters from all over the world, seminars, outdoor celebrities, kid’s activities, and more. Fee: $TBD; kids receive discounted admission. For more info call Channing Brown at (205) 678-4141.

> October 2024

October 7-10...Knoxville, Tennessee.
International Oak Symposium will address the most current issues and complexities related to science-based management of oak species and forests at global, regional, and local scales. Fee: $TBD. For more information contact Callie Schweitzer at (256) 603-0969 or callie.schweitzer@usda.gov.

> November 2024

November 5...Statewide.
General Election

End of Current Calendar of Events

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