> December 2024

December 28-29...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 2025

January 1...Shelby County 5:15 - 8:15 AM.
First Day Hike at Oak Mountain State Park. Meet 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. Fee: $2-5 park entrance fee. For more information call Oak Mountain State Park at (205) 620-2520.

January 1...Lauderdale County 9 - 11:30 AM.
First Day Hike at Joe Wheeler State Park Lodge (lobby), 4401 McLean Dr, Rogersville. Start the year off with a hike with Jennings Earnest, Park Naturalist. Moderate difficulty. Wear good shoes/boots and bring water. Fee: $5. For more information call Jennings at (256) 247-5466 or jennings.earnest@dcnr.alabama.gov.

January 1...Lee County 10 AM.
First Day Hike at Chewacla State Park. Join Park interpreters for a fun guided hike. Meet at the nature center located at the second parking loop in the park. Fee: $2-5 depending on age. For more information contact Renee Raney at (256) 276-2841 or renee.raney@dcnr.alabama.gov.

January 1...Marshall County 10 AM.
First Day Hike at Lake Guntersville State Park. Meet at the Loop Trail trailhead.  For more information contact Renee Raney at (256) 276-2841 or renee.raney@dcnr.alabama.gov.

January 1...Tallapoosa County 10 AM.
First Day Hike at Wind Creek State Park. Meet at the Marina Parking Lot. The hike will be on the Speckled Snake Trail which is approximately 3.5 miles. Wear good shoes/boots. Bring water, snacks/lunch, and a camera. Fee: $2-5. For more information contact Dylan Ogle at (256) 329-0845 or dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.gov.

January 1...Barbour County 10 AM - 12 Noon.
First Day Hike at the Activity Center Building. It is next to the Campground Entrance. For more information contact Dominic King at (334) 687-8011 or dominic.king@dcnr.alabama.gov.

January 1...DeKalb County 10 AM - 1 PM.
First Day Hike will meet at the Country Store & Information Center, County Road 89, DeSoto State Park, Fort Payne. A moderate, approximately 3 mile hike over rocky terrain. 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...Cleburne County 11:30 AM.
First Day Hike at Cheaha State Park,  Bald Rock Boardwalk Trailhead. Start the year off with a hike with Kathryn Gray. This trail is 0.6 mile round trip. For more information contact Kathryn at (256) 488-5111 or kathryn.gray@dcnr.alabama.gov.

January 4-5...Jefferson County.
Trappers Education Workshop at 2840 Eastern Valley Road (Hwy 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 7...Online 1 - 2 PM CT.
The Role of Fire in Shaping Northern Bobwhite Ecology webinar will be presented via Zoom. Fire has been, and remains, the most influential disturbance, except in drought-prone areas like the southwestern U.S. or in the agriculture, and winter-weather-dependent extremes of their northern range. Speaker: Dr. James Martin, University of Georgia. For more information email oakfirescience@gmail.com.

January 9...Arcadia, Florida 9 AM - 2 PM ET.
Private Landowner Workshop at 8134 SE Hall Road. Come learn about land management programs and the benefits of enhancing and protecting wildlife habitat. Lunch provided. For more information contact Peter Diamond at (941) 661-3619 or peter.diamond@myfwc.com.

January 14...Des Moines, Iowa.
Land Investment Expo at the Iowa Events Center. There is a virtual option for a reduced cost. Fee: $425. For more information contact Becky Rozenbom at (855) 800-5263 or becky@peoplescompany.com.

January 14...Online 5:30 - 6:30 PM.
Small Ruminant Webinar Series (2 of 4) will be presented via Zoom. The webinars will be on the 2nd Tuesday of the month through March 11. For more information contact Dr. Felix Uchenna Samuel at (256) 924-0984 or sfu0001@auburn.edu.

January 14 - February 18...Online.
The Woman Landowner Academy is a 6-week online program with live sessions held via Zoom. Access to a private Facebook group which will give you exclusive access to materials, resources, land management professionals, as well as the opportunity to join a network of women just like you. Fee: $349. For more information contact Danielle Atkins at (706) 631-4440 or landandladies@gmail.com.

January 15 - March 12...Online 6 - 7:30 PM CT.
Woods in Your Backyard Series: Why Are They Important is designed specifically, but not exclusively, for small landowners. The webinars will be held each Wednesday. The series will cover topics such as forest ecology and soils, tree planting, tree identification, enhancing wildlife habitat, water in the woods, invasive species management, and woodland management techniques. Registration required by January 8. Fee: $50. To register by phone, call 1-877-345-0691 between the hours of 7:30 AM - 4 PM CT.

January 18-19...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 21...Tuscaloosa County 11 AM - 12:30 PM.
Dr. A. Across Alabama at The Sanctuary on 25th, 1710 25th Avenue, Tuscaloosa. Join Auburn University's Dean Janaki Alavalapati, as he shares updates on current initiatives and his vision for the future of the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment. For more information contact Alex Doss at (334) 844-1983 or wad0010@auburn.edu.

January 21...Jefferson County 5:30 - 7:30 PM.
Dr. A. Across Alabama at Auburn in Birmingham, 2013-15 4th Avenue North, Birmingham. Join Auburn University's Dean Janaki Alavalapati, as he shares updates on current initiatives and his vision for the future of the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment. For more information contact Alex Doss at (334) 844-1983 or wad0010@auburn.edu.

January 22...Baldwin County 5 - 7:30 PM.
Dr. A. Across Alabama at Felix's Fish Camp, 1530 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort. Join Auburn University's Dean Janaki Alavalapati, as he shares updates on current initiatives and his vision for the future of the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment. For more information contact Alex Doss at (334) 844-1983 or wad0010@auburn.edu.

January 22 - February 19...Online 1 PM CT.
Who Will Fill My Shoes: Succession Planning will be held each Sunday, January 22 through February 19. Succession planning encompasses many emotional and financial aspects of a family and a business, making decisions and moving forward more difficult. This research-based curriculum with comprehensive handouts integrated will give participants the confidence they need to learn strategies for moving succession forward with their property or business. For more information contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu.

January 23...Macon County 5:30 - 7:30 PM.
Dr. A. Across Alabama at Crooked Oaks, 8 Red Creek Road, Notasulga. Join Auburn University's Dean Janaki Alavalapati, as he shares updates on current initiatives and his vision for the future of the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment. For more information contact Alex Doss at (334) 844-1983 or wad0010@auburn.edu.

January 23-24...Elmore County.
Alabama Rivers and Streams Network (ARSN) Annual Meeting at the Alabama Nature Center, 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. Learn more about the Alabama Rivers and Streams Network projects their research impacts the environment, the economy, and more. For more information or to register, call Rebecca Bearden at (205) 247-3623. Editor's Note: Landowners may wish to attend to hear how the ARSN projects could impact private forestland owners.

January 24 - February 2…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 26-28...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: $600. Contact Tom Saunders at (334) 481-2135 or tsaunders@alaforestry.org.

> February 2025

February 1...Gainesville, Florida 10 AM - 5 PM ET.
Flatwoods Fire and Nature Festival at the Austin Cary Forest Campus, 10625 NE Waldo Road. Come celebrate Florida's forests and the role of fire in maintaining and enhancing their beauty, diversity, and habitat value. Enjoy prescribed burn demonstrations, food trucks, live music, and more. For more information contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu.

February 1-2...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 3...Online 7 - 8 AM CT.
Recovering Forests from Hurricane Helene will cover hurricane damage, post-hurricane forest management, and future outlook for Southeastern U.S. forests. To register by phone, call 1-877-345-0691 between the hours of 7:30 AM - 4 PM CT.

February 4...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.

February 4-5...Online.
Texas Timber Tax Workshop will provide basic information about timber taxation and the latest changes to tax laws and rules for 2024 tax return preparations. Topics will focus on federal timber income tax issues for private forest owners with a refresher on local timberland property tax incentives. Participants will gain a clear understanding of commonly misunderstood timber tax issues. Fee: $25. For more information contact Melissa Toole at (979) 458-6650 or melissa.toole@tfs.tamu.edu.

February 4-6...Venus, Florida.
Prescribed Fire for Wildlife at the Archbold Biological Station, 123 Main Drive. The program includes sections addressing how ignition plans can be developed and implemented to meet specific wildlife objectives while minimizing risk. This training combines classroom lectures, panel discussions, and field exercises covering a variety of wildlife and habitats. Register by January 20. Fee: $675; includes meals and lodging. $300 discount if no lodging needed. For more information contact Jim Schortemeyer at (239) 455-5847 or schortfire@aol.com.

February 6...Dallas County 9:15 AM - 1:45 PM.
Entrepreneur Pop-Up Workshop in the Vaughn Meeting Room of the Selma-Dallas County Public Library, 1103 Selma Avenue. Auburn University’s Entrepreneur Pop-Up Workshop has helped dozens of individuals and businesses throughout Alabama save time and money by better understanding how to create, communicate, and commercialize business ideas using the Lean Startup and Business Model Canvas. Join us for this workshop to gain a better understanding of how to increase your odds of success prior to spending unnecessary time and money. Fee: $20. For more information contact David Daniel at (334) 875-3200 or danieda@aces.edu.

February 11...Online 5:30 - 6:30 PM.
Small Ruminant Webinar Series (3 of 4) will be presented via Zoom. The webinars will be on the 2nd Tuesday of the month through March 11. For more information contact Dr. Felix Uchenna Samuel at (256) 924-0984 or sfu0001@auburn.edu.

February 12...Online 11 AM - 12 Noon CT.
Prescribed Fire Effects on Southern Pine Tree Growth and Forest Structure will be presented via Zoom. This webinar will discuss prescribed fire - its benefits, impacts on forest health, and the effects of excluding fire from southeastern forests. If you need assistance connecting to the webinar email contact@sref.info.

February 15-16...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 16-18...Lee County.
Southeastern Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting at the Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. Fee: $450 non-member. For more information contact Susan McMichael at (706) 457-1842 or se.saf.businessmanager@gmail.com.

February 16-22...Statewide.
Alabama Arbor Week is a good week to include the family in your tree planting activities. Send AFOA a picture of your children or grandchildren planting a tree, or post one to the AFOA MeWe page or AFOA Facebook page.

February 20...Marengo County 6 PM.
Wild Game Cook-Off at George Franks Field at Demopolis City Landing, 850 North Main Avenue, Demopolis. Attend the cook-off and enjoy live music, door prizes, youth activities, and sample wild game recipes. Fee: $50; includes two adults. Youth under 15 free. Call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at (334) 285-4550.

February 22...Autauga County 9 AM - 5 PM.
Traditional Hunter Education Course at Bass Pro Shop, 2553 Rocky Mount Road, Prattville. No fee. This is a one day class. A one hour lunch break will be given. Bring your own lunch or plan where to eat. To register, call Vernon McEwen at (334) 224-7011. Successfully completing an approved hunter education course is mandatory for all non-supervised Alabama hunting license buyers born on or after August 1, 1977. There are some exceptions. There are other courses being taught at various locations and dates as well as online only courses. If you have additional questions, call the Hunter Education office at 1-800-245-2740.

February 22...Micanopy, Florida 9 AM - 3 PM ET.
North Florida Outdoor Expo at the Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, 210 Southeast 134 Avenue. This is a family fun event for outdoor enthusiasts including hunters, fishermen, hikers, campers, water recreation, and anything in between. Visit with vendors to find all of the outdoor products you could want, and purchase them on location! This family fun event will have a ton of natural resource education, guided nature walks, and lots of activities for youth and adults! Fee: $5; Children under 5 free. For more information contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu.

February 22-23...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.

February 27-28...Brunswick, Georgia.
The Woman Landowner Symposium at Marshes of Glynn Baptist Church, 3780 Highway 82. Fee: $225; $50 discount if paid by November 27, 2024. For more information contact Danielle Atkins at (706) 631-4440 or landandladies@gmail.com.

February 28...Online at 11:15 - 11:30 AM CT.
Fifteen Minutes in the Forest: Stay Safe in the Woods will join Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program's Jennifer Gagnon, Dr. Anja Whittington, and Sarah Michaels as they discuss how to prepare to be safe during your woodland adventures, and how to handle injuries in the woods. This event will be held via Facebook Live and YouTube Premier. For more information contact Jennifer Gagnon at (540) 231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.  View on Youtube.  View on Facebook.

> March 2025

March 6...Houston County 6 PM.
Wild Game Cook-Off at The Plant, 308 N. St. Andrews Street, Dothan. Attend the cook-off and enjoy live music, door prizes, youth activities, and sample wild game recipes. Fee: $50 for up to 2 adults. Youth 15 and under free. Call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822-9453.

March 11...Online 5:30 - 6:30 PM.
Small Ruminant Webinar Series (4 of 4) will be presented via Zoom. This is the final webinar in the series. For more information contact Dr. Felix Uchenna Samuel at (256) 924-0984 or sfu0001@auburn.edu.

March 12-13...Amelia Island, Florida.
Timberland Investment Conference at The Ritz-Carlton, 4750 Amelia Island Parkway. This is your opportunity to learn more about timberland markets and trade on a global level. Hear from experts about changes in policies, economics, markets, and investments. Fee: $2,195; $145 discount if paid by February 1. For more information contact Erin Lincoln at (601) 608-8718 or erin.lincoln@uga.edu.

March 15...Talladega County 4 PM.
Wild Game Cook-Off at Talladega Superspeedway, 3366 Speedway Boulevard, Talladega. Attend the cook-off and enjoy live music, door prizes, youth activities, and sample wild game recipes. Fee: $50; Youth 15 and under free. Call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822-9453.

March 19...Online 11 AM - 12 Noon CT.
Native Forest Insect Pests of the Southern U.S.: Biology, Management, and Impact will be presented via Zoom. This webinar will give an update on pine pests impacting the southeast, including southern pine beetle, Ips spp., and Nantucket pine tip moth. If you need assistance connecting to the webinar email contact@sref.info.

March 22...Newton, Georgia.
Ichauway Open House at Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center Drive. Visitors may take a wagon ride through the longleaf pine ecosystem, travel through research labs, visit a food truck, and much more. Fee: $TBD. Contact Jessica McCorvey at (229) 734-4706 or jessica.mccorvey@jonesctr.org.

> April 2025

April 5...Chilton County.
Christmas Tree Workshop will be held at Neely Farms near Thorsby. The workshop will focus on the basic needs and techniques for a new grower to establish and operate a choose and cut Christmas tree farm. If you are in the early stages of operating a choose and cut farm, just exploring the idea or planning the opportunity, attending this workshop will better equip you with valuable “hands-on” information. Fee: $TBD. For more information or to register, contact Michael Buchart at (225) 505-6335 or sctaes@gmail.com.

April 7 - June 9...Online.
Online Woodland Options for Landowners is a 10-week self-paced online course that teaches the fundamentals of forest management. Topics include setting management goals, forest history, stewardship, marking boundary lines, using maps, using soil surveys, forest ecology, and more. Upon completion of the class, you can have a draft forest management plan. The class wraps up with an optional end-of-the-semester hands-on field trip in a location and date still to-be-determined. Fee: $55/family. For more information contact Jennifer Gagnon at (540) 231-6391 or jgagnon@vt.edu.

AFOA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM & ANNUAL MEETING April 22-23...Tuscaloosa County. Location: Headquartered at the Hotel Capstone, 320 Paul Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Location on Google Maps. Reserve Your Room: Call (205) 752-3200. To access AFOA's block of rooms, mention the Alabama Forest Owners' Association - Group Code 250422ALFO.   You may also book your Hotel Capstone room here: Lodging Overview: Tuesday Tour(s), Tuesday Evening Reception, Tuesday Dinner will be On-Your-Own, Wednesday Main Conference includes Refreshments & Lunch. The Regular Attendee Registration will contain the most up-to-date details. REGISTRATION:      Regular Attendee Registration (Once registration form is ready, this will become a link.)   Exhibitors and/or Sponsors      Registration Form (link coming soon)

> May 2025

May 2-3...Courtland, Ohio.
International Firewood Expo at 899 Everett Hull Road, Courtland. The Expo will showcase some of the best firewood equipment in the industry. For more information email Joe at joe@ohiowoodburner.com.

End of Current Calendar of Events

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