The Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture and several partners are organizing a workshop that will detail habitat management techniques for a variety of lands and provide an overview on the financial incentives and programs available for landowners. Resource managers and landowners will learn a range of practices to implement that will benefit a diversity of wildlife, including Ruffed Grouse, Golden-winged Warbler, Wild Turkey, Cerulean Warbler, and American Woodcock. The workshop will take place on October 14-16 in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Funding for the workshop is provided by the U.S. Forest Service, and other agencies assisting with planning include West Virginia Department of Forestry, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The first day of the workshop will focus on old field, active pasture, and young forest habitat management techniques that can enhance existing openings or create new habitat. Trainers will describe the bird species that will benefit from such management, grazing strategies, mechanical treatments such as brush-hogging, and how to incorporate strategies for attracting pollinators. The second day will shift to mature forest habitat. Landowners and managers will learn to use specific forest management techniques to enhance habitat while also promoting forest health. Specific sessions will focus on shelterwood strategies, timber stand improvement, crop tree release, tree species preferred by different bird species, and important mid-story and understory characteristics that benefit birds.

On the final day, workshop participants will visit a variety of sites that provide examples of the habitat discussed during the workshop. At Calvin Price State Forest, participants will see how a range of forest management strategies are implemented. At Monongahela National Forest, they will learn about grazing allotments. Visits will also take place on private lands managed for both old field and mature forest species

There is no registration fee for the workshop and free lunches are provided each day. Society of American Foresters’ Continuing Education Credits are available for each day. For more information, contact Todd Fearer at: tfearer@abcbirds.org.