Woodlot owners and others who want to learn forest management techniques and share them with others can attend a Michigan Master Woodland Steward program training session May 30-June 1 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, on Higgins Lake.

Master Woodland Stewards take part in an intensive training program designed to enable them to teach others about the importance of wise forest stewardship.

Participants will explore such topics as forest and wildlife ecology, tree planting, managing forests and tree identification. Instructors include Michigan State University (MSU) forestry faculty members and other woodland management experts. During this new weekend format, participants will have many indoor and outdoor learning experiences.

Master Woodland Steward graduates will be asked to complete special forestry-related projects in their communities or commit to 30 hours of volunteer service within one year. This service may include working with local MSU Extension offices or conservation districts, helping woodlot owners understand stewardship options for their land, planting trees or teaching children about forest management.

The registration fee is $320 for those who stay at the MacMullan Conference Center and $270 for commuters. Registration includes meals, reference materials and refreshments. The registration deadline is May 16. Application forms are available from any MSU Extension county office or online at www.for.msu.edu/mws.  

For more information, call the Roscommon County Extension office at 989-275-4670.

The Master Woodland Steward program is sponsored by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.