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Iowa woodland owners and others interested in forest stewardship are invited to participate in the Iowa Master Woodland Steward Program (MWSP), a comprehensive educational program designed to help participants better understand, manage and protect Iowa’s woodland resources.
The Iowa Master Woodland Steward Program is offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, often in cooperation with County Conservation Boards. While the program is primarily intended for woodland owners, stewards and land managers, it is also valuable for teachers, loggers, government employees and anyone with an interest in Iowa’s forests.
Starting September 8, participants will visit locations in Webster, Hamilton and Boone counties including Don Williams, Ledges, Dolliver, Dayton Oaks and private locations. Register soon as spots are filling up fast. Cost $125. https://go.iastate.edu/X1FFDY
Program will be held on Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22, 29 and October 6, 13, and 20 from 6-9 p.m.
The program’s goal is to develop a community of knowledgeable woodland stewards who serve as advocates for Iowa’s forests while working alongside forestry professionals to improve and expand the state’s woodland resources.
Participants complete seven instructional modules over seven weeks. Each module includes one to two hours (or more) of self-paced online learning followed by a three-hour in-person classroom and field session. Sessions are hosted at various locations within and adjacent to the host counties, and participants do not need to reside in those counties to enroll.
Participants will gain practical knowledge in tree identification, tree biology, woodland inventory, land and tree measurements, silviculture, forest economics, tree planting, wildlife habitat, pest management, timber marketing, government assistance programs, and woodland stewardship planning. Each module includes one to two hours (or more) of self-paced online learning followed by a three-hour in-person classroom and field session. Sessions are hosted at various locations within Webster, Boone and Hamilton counties.
“This program is a great way to help Iowans know the true value of their woodlands, not only in terms of timber, but also the many other benefits forests provide,” said Billy Beck, associate professor and extension forestry specialist with Iowa State University. “My hope is that participants will become better informed on how to ask the right questions, of the
right people, at the right time. This includes having effective, informed conversations with their forester.”
The curriculum includes:
· Module 1: Overview of Iowa’s Forests and Forestry - Learn about Iowa’s forest resources and the many benefits forests provide.
· Module 2: Planning and Goal Setting - Explore woodland stewardship goals and begin developing a management plan.
· Module 3: How Trees Grow - Understand tree physiology and how growth influences management decisions.
· Module 4: How Woodlands Grow - Examine Forest ecology, site characteristics, and species potential.
· Module 5: How Woodlands Change - Learn about forest succession, stand dynamics, and silvicultural practices.
· Module 6: Putting It Together: Woodland Management - Apply management strategies to achieve goals related to timber production, wildlife habitat, and water quality through field-based case studies.
· Module 7: Skills Recap and Graduation Field Day - Review key concepts, strengthen field skills, and celebrate program completion.
Program registration is $125 per participant. Registration includes a forest management textbook and complimentary forestry gear. Instruction is provided by experts from Iowa State University, ISU Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, private forestry consultants and contractors, and other natural resource professionals.
In addition to receiving science-based education, participants will have opportunities to network with forestry professionals and fellow woodland stewards from across Iowa.
Whether the goal is improving wildlife habitat, enhancing timber value, protecting water quality, or simply learning more about woodlands, the Iowa Master Woodland Steward Program provides the knowledge and resources needed to become a more confident and effective steward of Iowa’s forests.