Join us for this year’s Annual Forest Landowner Conference. In a short time, you’ll learn from speakers who will discuss topics that are relevant to you. Meet others who share your ideas. Speak with people who can help you with that next project. Investigate a part of the State you might not be familiar with. Eat, have fun, make a friend.
When: April 24-25, 2026
Where: Headquartered at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National
Address: 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, AL 36801
Reserve Your Room: Click Here to book your room in the AFOA room block and to receive our group rate. Or call Marriott Central Reservations at (800) 593-6456. The AFOA Group Code is FOAFOAA. The last day to book and receive our group rate is March 23, 2026. Book Now!
Online Registration for Regular Attendees: Click Here
Printable Registration Form for Regular Attendees: Click Here
A Registration Form will also be in the February, March, & April newsletter.
Exhibitors and/or Sponsors Registration: Click Here
Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Guided Tour
10 AM Friday, April 24
Location: 2222 North College Street, Auburn.
Description: Leave early and visit with Michael Buckman the Manager of the Preserve to see how wood has transformed the learning environment of a public school. It’s the first of its kind in Alabama. This outdoor learning environment uses engineered lumber such as GluLam and Cross Laminated Timber.
Two Rivers Lumber Mill Tour
1 PM Friday, April 24
Location: Be the first to see the brand new state of the art sawmill in Kellyton, AL. Meet at Mill site.
Limited Attendance: Limited to the first 45 to register. The tour takes about an hour.
Must Also Be Registered for Conference: Once you register for the Conference and the tour, additional information will be provided regarding location and parking.
Requirements: Must be able to safely/comfortably walk & climb stairs. Wear close-toed shoes.
Forestry 101 Field Day
1 PM Friday, April 24
Location: On the Grounds of the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort.
Description: Forestry Consultant Joseph Capps leads a team to demonstrate practical skills, provide advice and hands on activities. Bring someone you’d like to introduce to the forestry basics.
Must Also Be Registered for Conference: Once you register for the Conference and the field day, additional information will be provided regarding location and parking.
Fee: $5.00. A General Registration is also required.
Reception/Social Hour
5:30 PM, Friday, April 24
Location: Auburn Marriott Opelika at Grand National.
Description: Enjoy heavy hors d’ oeuvres & a cashbar while mingling with our exhibitors, catching up with old friends, and making new acquaintances with other forest landowners.
Fee: Included with your General Registration.
General Conference
(Tentative Agenda)
8 AM – 4 PM, Saturday, April 25
Location: Auburn Marriott Opelika, Conference Center. Take advantage of refreshments and spend some time learning from our exhibitors. Then, head on into the meeting.
8:00 Meet and Greet: Coffee and Muffins with Exhibitors
8:30 Welcome to Auburn.
Dr. Janaki Alavalapati, Dean of College of Forestry, Wildlife & Environment
8:35 President’s Welcome and Business Meeting
Mafus R. Bird , Jr. President, Alabama Forest Owners’ Association
8:40 Timber Stand Improvement with Hack and Squirt Techniques
Tyler Sibley, Alabama Forest Foundation
9:05 Use Caution When Agreeing to Store Carbon Under Your Land.
Attorney T. Bruce McGowin, Hand Arendall
9:30 Coffee Break With Exhibitors
10:00 Managing Expectations When Making a Timber Sale.
John Ross Havard, Sizemore and Sizemore
10:25 Mystery Guest
11:00 How Mass Timber Could Significantly Increase Demand for Wood.
Troy Harris, Jamestown LP
12:00 Lunch and Meet with Exhibitors
1:30 Improving Wildlife Habitat on Your Property.
Mark Thomas, Forestry/Wildlife Integration
2:00 Legal Action Filed to Prevent Trespass by Game Wardens.
Suranjan Sen, Institute for Justice
2:30 Timber Taxation
Dr. Tammy Cushing, University of Florida
3:00 Use of Drones in Forestry Applications.
John and Louie Harris, Harris Precision Solutions