West Virginia University Extension Services Appalachian Hardwood Center is partnering with the Woodland Owners Association of West Virginia Inc. and the West Virginia Division of Forestry to present a series of woodland owner workshops in January and February.

These meetings are set up to provide current and relevant information, and to foster interactions and networking among private woodland owners,said David McGill, Forest Resources Extension Specialist.

The meetings are aimed atpeople who are interested in how woodland resources can be managed to achieve a variety of landowner objectives, even if they arent woodland owners,McGill said.

Two winter workshops are scheduled thus far.

A Southeastern Region session will be held from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Center in Alderson, W.Va.

The morning session will include discussion of topics such as cooperative forest management, wildlife habitat on skid roads and landings, the role of freshwater mussels in Appalachian streams, and best management practices for controlling erosion and sedimentation. Afternoon activities will feature a tour of the Plant Materials Center and a visit to Montevallo Tree Farm, hosted by woodland owner Bob Neff.

A Southwestern Region workshop will be held from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Mason County Public Library in Point Pleasant, W.Va. Topics will include wildlife habitat on skid roads, fireproofing your forest, homestead wildlife and managing for recreational objectives. A tour of Dr. Robert Alexanders tree farm will follow in the afternoon.

For additional information, registration or session agendas, contact McGill, 304-293-2941 ext. 2474 or dmcgill@wvu.edu . Pre-registration is required for the sessions. Attendance is $15 for Woodland Owner Association members and $20 for nonmembers.