Forest Health will be held at the Lafayette County Extension Office, 70 F.D. Buddy East Parkway. For more information or to RSVP, call (662) 234-4451.
Eagle Awareness Weekend at Lake Guntersville State Park, 1155 Lodge Drive, Guntersville. 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. For pricing & reservations, call Lake Guntersville State Park at (256) 571-5440.
Red Hills Fire & Nature Festival at Tall Timbers, 13093 Henry Beadel Road. The Festival is free and open to the public. It’s an all-ages good time with live music, prescribed fire demonstration, live wildlife, wagon ride tours of healthy, fire-maintained forests, kids’ activities, and food vendors. Rain date is February 7. For more information contact Tall Timbers at (850) 893-4153.
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: $20; lunch included. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Lee County Forestry Association Meeting at the Lee County Extension Office, 5338 Cliff Gookin Boulevard, Tupelo. Topic: Managing of Invasive Species. Speaker: James Shannon. For more information call Lee County Extension at (662) 841-9000.
Pearl River-Stone County Forestry Association Meeting at Bill’s Catfish & Steak, 620 West Frontage Drive. Topic: Managing of Invasive Species. Speaker: Brady Self. Dutch treat lunch. For more information call the Stone County Extension Office at (601) 928-5286.
Creating a Turkey Habitat & Wild Game Preparation Workshop at the Autauga County Extension Office, 2226 Alabama Highway 14, Autaugaville. This workshop will cover how to create a habitat designed to attract turkeys to your property. We will also discuss how to safely prepare wild game. For more information contact Lynn Dickinson at (334) 303-8360 or rhodela@aces.edu.
Texas Timber Tax Workshop is designed for forest landowners, consulting foresters, accountants, attorneys, and others who work with forest landowners in matters pertaining to timber taxes. February 3 will cover federal taxes only. February 4 will cover a mix. The two-day workshop will provide basic information about timber taxation and the latest changes to tax laws and rules for 2025 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 Adia Alford at (979) 458-6650 or adia.alford@tfs.tamu.edu.
Special General Election will be held for the vacant Alabama House of Representatives District 38 seat. The seat became vacant after Debbie Hamby Wood (R) resigned. Not sure what district you live in? Look at the Alabama State House of Representative District 38 map.
National Forest Management Challenges & Strategies will be presented via Zoom. Come learn more about management of national forests and the many logistical, political, and public constraints. Join to learn more about the challenges and potential strategies towards managing national forest lands. For more information contact Norm Haley at (256) 574-2143 or nvh0001@aces.edu. Editor’s Note: The national forest land of Alabama shares a border with many private forest owners. It could be beneficial to learn more about what plans your federal government landowner neighbors may have.
Board Meeting of Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust at the Alabama Activities Center, 201 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery. This meeting will provide an opportunity for any individual who would like to make comments concerning the program. The public is invited to attend this meeting and is urged to submit comments. You must arrive and register by 9:45 in order to address the board. For more information call (334) 353-7878. Editor’s Note: Here are some questions you may consider asking yourself and others. Does the state need more public land to compete with recreational opportunities (many of which are already) provided by private forestland owners? Will the acquisition of hundreds of thousands of acres of more public land, that does not pay property taxes, put pressure on private landowners to pay more in property tax?
Timber Landowner Meeting at Lafayette County Extension, 176 SW Community Circle, Mayo. Attend this meeting for important tips from UF/IFAS Forest Business Specialist, Dr. Tamara Cushing on handling timber revenue, reforestation, expenses, and casualty loss. Lunch provided. For more information or to register, contact Emily Beach at (386) 294-1279 or elbeach@ufl.edu.
Trappers Education Workshop at 770 Co Rd 607, Piedmont. 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: $20; lunch included. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Homegrown Habitats Conservation Education Series will be held online and in multiple counties in-person. This is a 6-part series held on multiple days. Topics covered will include: an overview of conservation history in North America and Alabama; an overview of the wild turkey; learning about habitat and ecosystem fundamentals, including how to restore ecosystems for native wildlife benefit and more. For more information contact Isabelle Bracewell at (251) 605-1648 or isabelle@cahss.org.
Mapping With Drones: Remote Pilot Certification Preparation will be presented via Zoom. This workshop is essential for drone operators interested in Mapping with Drones, Photography/Videography with Drones, and others who are either interested in operating a drone or managers who need to learn more about the regulatory environment. No prior ‘drone’ operation or mapping experience is necessary. This workshop prepares individuals to take the FAA’s Remote Pilot Exam (aka Part 107). Registration closes about one month prior to the workshop. Fee: $350. For more information contact Virginia Tech’s John McGee at jmcg@vt.edu.
Trapping Workshop: Wildlife Enhancement Through Predator Control at Camp Meadowbrook, 2344 County Road 747, Cullman. This workshop will provide information on predator control & trapping to enhance deer & turkey populations for those interested in improving game numbers on their land. Learn from indoor presentations & outdoor demonstrations. Fee: $25. For more information contact Norm Haley at (256) 574-2143 or nvh0001@aces.edu.
AFOA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
CAPITAL IDEAS — LIVE!
News Conference for Forest Owners.
This 15 minute telephone/Internet conference will feature state & national experts, researchers & authors on breaking issues, current research, can’t-miss educational events, books & publications, timber market update and more. To listen live call AFOA to register at (205) 624-2225.
Listen on the web via podcast: February 11, 2026 CI — Live! This will be a link once the program is finished and available.
Click Here for Index to Past Conferences.
Trapping Workshop: Wildlife Enhancement Through Predator Control at Little River Canyon Center, 4322 Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, Fort Payne. This workshop will provide information on predator control & trapping to enhance deer & turkey populations for those interested in improving game numbers on their land. Learn from indoor presentations & outdoor demonstrations. Fee: $25. For more information contact Norm Haley at (256) 574-2143 or nvh0001@aces.edu.
AFOA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Dinner and Discussion at The Anvil Pub & Grill, 611 Doug Baker Boulevard, Suite 103, Hoover. The Anvil Pub is near Tazikis. No-host dinner at 6 PM followed by a short program. Meet and talk with other forest landowners in a casual setting. Limited seating. To attend, RSVP AFOA at (205) 624-2225 or info@afoa.org.
Land & Liberty Conference at Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel. This conference will bring together the nation’s premier leaders, advocates, and organizations fighting to defend private property rights against federal overreach and radical environmental agendas. Fee: $125. For more information email American Stewards of Liberty at asl@americanstewards.us.
Trappers Education Workshop at the State Lands Division Cattle Ranch, 1132 County Road 73, Greensboro. 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: $20; lunch included. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Trappers Education Workshop at the Spanish Fort (District V) 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: $20; lunch included. Contact Mike Sievering at (205) 340-1183 or mike.sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Alabama Forestry Commission 2026 Forest Health Outlook will be presented via Zoom. Attend this webinar to learn more about the status of Alabama’s forest health including pests and diseases that impact the state’s forest resources. For more information contact Norm Haley at (256) 630-4248 or nvh0001@aces.edu.
Chainsaw Safety Course at the Phenix Youth Center, 1601 5th Street South, Phenix City. This is a 2-day course. Day one is limited to 50 people for the classroom session and day two entry is by request only. Attendees must register with Jessica and confirm the space. Must be 18+yrs to register. For more information contact Jessica Baldwin at (334) 752-1194 or jmb0276@auburn.edu.
Walk in the Woods at a location to be given to registered attendees. Participants will experience a roughly 2 hour guided nature walk on Double Oak Mountain that will highlight both natural diversity and long-term stewardship. Bring water and wear good hiking footwear. For more information contact Brad Nail at (334) 481-2154 or bnail@alaforestry.org.
Forest to Tap at Cahaba Brewing Company in Birmingham. Participants are able to experience “a hike that day or a pint that night.” Good forest management makes clean water… Clean water makes great beer. For more information contact Leigh Peters at (334) 481-2136 or lpeters@alaforestry.org.
EUDR/Legislative Update at the Rankin County Extension Office, 601 Marquette Road. Speakers: Casey Anderson & David Livingston. For more information or to RSVP, call (601) 825-1462.
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.
Chainsaw Safety Course at the Talladega County Extension Office, 132 Court Street North, Talladega. This is a 2-day course. Day one is limited to 50 people for the classroom session and day two entry is by request only. Attendees must register with Jessica and confirm the space. Must be 18+yrs to register. For more information contact Jessica Baldwin at (334) 752-1194 or jmb0276@auburn.edu.
Reframing the Ecology of Fire in Eastern U.S. Old Growth Forest Ecosystems will be presented via Zoom. Panelists will critically examine the role of fire – past, present, and future – in shaping eastern United States mature and old-growth forest ecosystems. For more information email Eric Evenson at nafsehelp@gmail.com.
North Florida Outdoor Expo at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, 210 Southeast 134 Avenue, Micanopy. The Expo is a family fun event for outdoor enthusiasts including hunters, fishermen, hikers, campers, water recreation, and anything in between. This event will include natural resource education, guided nature walks, and lots of activities for youth and adults. Fee: $7.18. For more information contact Chris Demers at (352) 846-2375 or cdemers@ufl.edu.
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 to info@afoa.org, or post one to the AFOA MeWe page or the AFOA Facebook page.
Longleaf & the Landowner at Blue Lake Camp and Retreat Center, 8500 Oakwood Lane, Andalusia. This course is designed especially for beginning landowners and those who are ready to take a more active role in the management and ownership of their land. Topics include: Working with a forestry professional, Creating your family forest legacy, Business planning, Keys to establishing Longleaf, Understanding heirs property & estate planning, and more. Fee: $50; landowner registration. Lodging is extra. To register, call Karen Brown, Longleaf Alliance, at (803) 607-5466 or karen@longleafalliance.org.
Emmett & ViAnn Thompson Lecture in Forest Economics and Policy at The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, 241 South College Street, Auburn. Title of this year’s lecture: “It Pays to Be Different: The History of One of America’s Most Enduring Forest Products Family Firms.” This annual lecture series was established by the College of Forestry, Wildlife & Environment’s founding dean, Emmett F. Thompson. Speaker: Cade Warner, The Westervelt Company. RSVP to Marc Walley at mwalley@forestinvest.com. Editor’s Note: Emmett Thompson served on AFOA’s board of directors for several years.
Pond Management Workshop at the Talladega County Extension Office, 132 N. Court Street, Talladega. This workshop will cover general pond management practices. For more information contact Corey Courtwright at (256) 463-2620 or cac0039@auburn.edu.
Forest Stand Improvement & Midstory Release Workshop at 1693 Cheatham Road, Carbon Hill. Join other landowners for a hands-on workshop of management and control of invasive and midstory species to promote healthy forests and wildlife. Topics include: Forest Stand Improvement, Herbicide Control Options, Application Methods, and Calibration. Fee: $15; lunch included. For more information contact Tyler Sibley at (334) 481-2155 or tsibley@alaforestry.org.
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway at the Clay County Extension Office, 93 County Road 31, Ashland. Stop by the Clay County Extension Office to meet agents, community partners, & pick up a few seedling trees to plant in celebration of Arbor Day. For more information contact Melissa Willis at (256) 354-5976 or mcw0061@auburn.edu.
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway at 72 Brockford Road, Suite A, Heflin. For more information contact Stephen Faughn at (256) 499-6322 or sef0020@auburn.edu.
Southeastern Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting at The Hilton University of Florida Conference Center. Fee: $450 non-member. For more information contact Susan McMichael at (706) 457-1842 or se.saf.businessmanager@gmail.com.
Tate/DeSoto Forestry Association Meeting at the DeSoto County Extension Office, 1170 Starlanding Road West, Suite B. Topic: Chainsaw Safety. For more information or to RSVP, call (662) 469-8480.
Chronic Wasting Disease at Carrollton Baptist Church, 113 West Washington Street. Speakers: William McKinley and Randy Taylor. For more information or to RSVP, call Carroll County Extension at (662) 237-6926.
Wild Game Supper at the Pontotoc Extension Office, 402 C.J. Hardin Jr. Drive. For more information or to RSVP, call the Pontotoc Extension at (662) 489-3910.
Alabama Forestry Association Auburn Area Regional Reception at Auburn Oaks Farm, 230 County Road 57, Notasulga. Catch up on news of importance to your forestland investment and meet others in the forest industry in a relaxed, comfortable environment. For more information contact Liz Chambers at (334) 481-2135 or lchambers@alaforestry.org.
Backyard to Back 40: Invasive Plants at South Alabama Electric Co-op, 13192 U.S. 231, Troy. During this lunchtime session, you will learn how to spot common invasive plants found in yards, gardens, and woodlands, understand why they can be harmful, and discover practical, effective strategies to manage them. Lunch provided. For more information contact Kerry Steedley at (334) 350-0485 or kes0150@aces.edu.
MidSouth Firewood Expo at the Decatur Fairgrounds, 1925 US 641. The Expo will showcase firewood equipment of all sizes. Food trucks will be on site with live music Friday night. For more information contact Marlin at (731) 225-1111 or marlin.petre1990@gmail.com.
Wild Game Cook-Off at Talladega Superspeedway, 3366 Speedway Boulevard, Lincoln. 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. For more information call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at (334) 285-4550.
Prescribed Burn Workshop at 72 Brockford Road, Suite A, Heflin. Learn methods to safely add prescribed fire to your property. Participants will learn about the benefits of fire ecology, tools used, methods, and benefits. Lunch included. For more information contact Stephen Faughn at (256) 499-6322 or sef0020@auburn.edu.
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; includes two adults. Youth under 15 free. For more information call the Alabama Wildlife Federation at (334) 285-4550.
Forest Health Workshop at Bevill Community College, 805 14th Street East, Wade Building, Mathews Lecture Hall (Rm 105), Jasper. We will discuss important forest pests and diseases affecting the southeast. You’ll learn how to identify early warning signs, implement science-based management strategies, and make informed decisions for long-term forest health. Fee: $20. For more information contact Katherine Terry-Warner at (256) 871-0133 or klt0072@auburn.edu.
Mapping With Drones: Remote Pilot Certification Preparation will be presented via Zoom. This workshop is essential for drone operators interested in Mapping with Drones, Photography/Videography with Drones, and others who are either interested in operating a drone or managers who need to learn more about the regulatory environment. No prior ‘drone’ operation or mapping experience is necessary. This workshop prepares individuals to take the FAA’s Remote Pilot Exam (aka Part 107). Registration closes about one month prior to the workshop. Fee: $350. For more information contact Virginia Tech’s John McGee at jmcg@vt.edu.
Regional Pond Management Workshop at a location yet to be finalized. This workshop will cover pond management basics (indoors) and include a live electro fishing demonstration. For more information contact Corey Courtwright at (256) 463-2620 or cac0039@auburn.edu.
Continued Post-Hurricane Forest Management will be presented via Zoom webinar. Topics will cover decisions landowners will face and forest insects, diseases, and invasive plant issues after a hurricane. For more information contact David Clabo at (229) 386-3672 or david.clabo@uga.edu.
Forest Health Short Course at Auburn University, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn. Topics included: How Trees Die, Stress Signatures in the Canopy, Insects That Kill Trees, Disease vs Decline, Impacts of Wildlife on Tree Health, and more. Participants will learn how to assess tree health, diagnose disease and decline, and apply management strategies for long-term productivity and resilience. Fee: $200. For more information contact Annakay Newell at (334) 844-8069 or ada0037@auburn.edu.
Applied Forest Finance class details the step-by-step financial analysis required to answer key investment and forest management questions. Learn how to identify, value, and rank timber and forestry investments. Fee: $600; $75 discount if paid in advance. CE hours available. For more information contact Heather Clark at (770) 725-8447 or hsclark@forisk.com.
“Don’t Drop it on Alabama” Spring Cleanup is a statewide program of the People Against A Littered State. All supplies for cleanups are provided. For more information contact Jamie Mitchell at (334) 263-7737 or jamie@alpals.org.
Pine Straw Production – Stand Management and Economics at the Tift County Extension Office, Conference Room, 1468 Carpenter Road South. This course will enable a forest landowner or land manager to be able to make effective silvicultural and economical management decisions on managing slash and longleaf pine stands for straw. Speakers: Dr. David Dickens and Dr. David Clabo, University of Georgia. Fee: $350; $50 discount if paid by March 25. For more information contact James Johnson at (706) 308-6396 or james.johnson26@uga.edu.
Wild Game Cook-Off at Alabama Wildlife Federation Headquarters, 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. 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.
2026 AFOA Annual Meeting headquartered at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National, 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!
Overview: The Regular Attendee Registration Form (just below) will contain the most up-to-date details.
REGISTRATION:
Regular Attendees: Registration Form – Not available yet
Exhibitors and/or Sponsors: Registration Form – Not available yet
Forest Roads will be presented via Zoom. Come learn more about forest road and stream crossing installation and maintenance as well as erosion control measures that will help protect your road and water quality. For more information contact Norm Haley at (256) 574-2143 or nvh0001@aces.edu.
Southern Christmas Tree Association Annual Meeting will feature a Christmas tree farm tour at Lazy Acres Agritainment. A host hotel venue has not been determined. For more information contact Michael Buchart at (225) 505-6335 or sctaes@gmail.com.