Whether you own property with woodlands, steward woodlands, or are looking to buy wooded property and wish to learn more about forest management, the Minnesota Woodland Steward program can help you on your journey. Family forest owners and forest caretakers will learn the ins and outs of forest health, timber harvesting, management for recreation and wildlife, estate planning, tax incentive programs, and more.

This course offers a flexible design with both in-person and virtual learning. You can expect:

• 1 to 2 hours of self-paced reading and assignments each week. Fourteen online modules contain pre-recorded videos, exercises and group discussions.

• 3 online meetings on Zoom. Gain direct access to Extension and local forestry experts, and share your knowledge and experience with your peers.

• 3 in-person field tours. See woodland stewardship projects firsthand, where instructors and natural resource professionals will guide your visit and answer your questions.

A full schedule with dates and times is available on the course syllabus.

Audience

People who own or steward property with woodlands will find the most value in this course, but all interested learners are welcome. Still wondering if this course is right for you? Get answers to some frequently asked questions. 

Cost

The registration fee for this program is $295. We also offer a scholarship rate of $150 and a supporter rate of $395 for those who would like to contribute toward making this programming accessible to all.

We do not want cost to be a barrier to participating in our programming. If you cannot pay one of the listed registration fees, please contact Anna Stockstad at stock523@umn.edu. We will arrange for you to participate in the program at a reduced fee or no cost.

Reduced registration costs for Itasca County landowners

Thanks to funding from Itasca County, registration costs for Itasca County landowners have been reduced to $40. A preferred registration period is available only for Itasca County landowners from May 28 to June 18. When you complete the application form, we will send you a registration code for the discounted rate.

Fee waiver for Tribal members

University of Minnesota Extension acknowledges our obligation to Tribal Nations and their citizens to reduce barriers to participation in our programs and access our services. We are committed to strengthening our relationships with Tribal Nations and their citizens and continue to take meaningful actions toward meeting our responsibility. Therefore, we are waiving the fees associated with the Minnesota Woodland Steward program for Tribal members.

Accessibility

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities contact Anna Stockstad, stock523@umn.edu, two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Registration

You must first apply to the program using the link below to receive a registration link. Registration will be open to all interested woodland stewards from June 19 to August 11.

If participating as a family, only one member from each family needs to register, and you will gain one account to access Canvas.

This course will open on August 12, 2024. You will receive a welcome email in the weeks leading up to the class with information on accessing the online course in Canvas.