The Shadow
BLACKSBURG, Va. (VR) – Marking a half-century milestone of connecting forest landowners with science-based natural resource management, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program will host the 50th Anniversary Fall Forestry and Wildlife Field Tours. Taking place Oct. 20-23, the four-day event will traverse Montgomery, Franklin, Orange, and Hanover counties, showcasing sustainable woodland and wildlife management across private, public, and industrial lands.
A popular event with forest landowners who want to learn best practices or develop contacts with natural resources professionals, the tour is open to anyone with an interest in forest or wildlife management.
First launched in 1976, the annual Fall Field Tours provide private woodland owners, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts direct, on-the-ground access to natural resource professionals. Participants observe active management techniques, learn about state and federal cost-share assistance programs, and network with fellow landowners dedicated to protecting Virginia’s natural assets.
Since the program began, over 7,000 people have been a part of at least one of the over 200 Fall Field Tours that have visited 85 of Virginia’s 95 counties. Many participants have returned for multiple tours over the course of several years.
“Private forest owners manage millions of acres across the commonwealth, making sound stewardship essential for clean water, robust wildlife habitats, and a strong forest economy,” said Jennifer Gagnon, Extension specialist and coordinator of the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program. “Reaching our 50th anniversary speaks to the dedication of Virginia’s landowner community and the strong partnerships that make these educational tours possible.”
Tour itinerary:
- Montgomery County – Tuesday, Oct. 20: Leaves from Shawsville to explore Turman Lumber Co.’s sawmill, cutting-edge wood packaging research at Virginia Tech’s Brooks Forest Products Center, and multi-use hardwood and white pine management at Sowder Tree Farm.
- Franklin County – Wednesday, Oct. 21: Leaves from Wirtz to focus on pine plantation establishment, Virginia’s Hardwood Initiative cost-share opportunities, and two generations of woodland stewardship at the Montmorenci Property.
- Orange County – Thursday, Oct. 22: Based at James Madison’s Montpelier, this tour highlights active timber management in the Landmark Forest, commercial operations at Grelen Nursery, Montpelier’s historic trees, and an exclusive evening tour of the Madison mansion.
- Hanover County – Friday, Oct. 23: Departs from Doswell to tour Flippo Lumber Corp.’s 93-year-old sawmill followed by young forest creation, pine plantation thinning, and riverfront hardwood conservation at Bullfield Woodlands.
Registration and Golden Anniversary offerings
Individual registration is $45 per tour day, or $80 per couple. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, participants who register for three tour days receive the fourth day free. Registration includes a light breakfast, catered lunch, transportation, educational resources, and commemorative 50th anniversary swag.
Discounted lodging options are available at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Center and Lake Anna State Park. Limited scholarships are available for K-12 educators on a first-come, first-served basis.
Th registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 2.
The Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program is housed within the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation in the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment.
To view full itineraries, register online, or download mail-in registration forms, visit https://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu.
