By Blake Jackson
Kentucky woodland owners will have an opportunity this summer to gain practical forestry knowledge through the 2026 Kentucky Woodland Owners Short Course, organized by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
The educational program is designed for woodland owners, farmers, families, and anyone interested in improving the health and productivity of Kentucky forests.
Participants will learn how to better manage woodlands for wildlife habitat, timber production, recreation, water quality, and long-term conservation.
The course will feature seven online webinars throughout June, along with optional in-person field sessions scheduled for July and August. Webinar sessions will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. ET between June 2 and June 23, and recordings will be available for registered participants.
Topics include tree identification, woodland management, white oak management, wildlife conservation, water quality, woodland health, and available forestry programs and organizations.
Kentucky forests cover nearly half of the state and play a major role in supporting wildlife, protecting water resources, storing carbon, and strengthening rural economies.
Organizers say the short course was developed to help landowners better understand those benefits and make informed management decisions.
“Kentucky’s woodlands are owned largely by families and individuals, and those owners make decisions every year that shape the health of our forests,” said Billy Thomas, FNR Extension forester.
“The Woodland Owners Short Course gives woodland owners an opportunity to connect with the programs and organizations to help become a better woodland steward.”
Two optional field sessions are planned for July 18 in Fleming County and Aug. 8 in Caldwell County. These hands-on events will allow participants to observe woodland management practices and meet forestry professionals and conservation organizations.
“The Woodland Owner Resource Extravaganza portion of the field sessions will allow woodland owners to connect with local programs to jumpstart conservation efforts,” Thomas said. “The farm tours will let you get out in the woods and see conservation practices.”
Online registration costs $10, while webinar and field session packages are available for $30 per individual or $45 per couple.
For registration, visit https://wosc.mgcafe.uky.edu/2026-wosc
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Kentucky, Education, General