Combining education, networking, and sightseeing, the Annual Fall Forestry and Wildlife Field Tours have provided the opportunity to learn about sustainable forestry and wildlife management for over 40 years. This year’s four tours, which will take place during October, will include COVID-19 mitigation protocols.

Hosted by Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with Virginia’s natural resource agencies, companies, and associations, the tours offer landowners, natural resource professionals, and other interested individuals the opportunity to spend a day in the field learning about a variety of woodland and wildlife management activities.

The tours, which promote wise resource management on private forestlands, focus on science-based forestry and wildlife management practices, public and private sources of technical and financial management assistance, and networking among landowners and natural resource professionals. The experience provides an ideal setting for landowners to discuss their forest management issues with professionals in an informal setting, as well as to network with their peers.

Tours will be held in four locations:

  • Halifax County on Oct. 2.
  • Grayson/Carroll counties on Oct. 9.
  • Clarke County on Oct. 16.
  • King William County on Oct. 23.

COVID-19 mitigation protocols will be in place, including the following:

  • Registration will be limited to ensure adequate physical distancing.
  • No transportation will be provided; participants will be responsible for driving themselves (except in Halifax County, where participants will travel by hay wagon).
  • All tours will take place at a single site with multiple stations. Participants may be divided into smaller groups to move from station to station.
  • Tours will take place entirely outdoors, rain or shine.
  • Face coverings or shields will be required.
  • Sanitizing materials will be provided.
  • Boxed lunches with drinks will be provided, or participants may bring their own.

Find additional details and COVID-19 updates for each tour here.

Pre-registration is required, as space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration fee of $25 per person or $40 per couple includes lunch. A limited number of scholarships are available for K-12 teachers.

For more information, email Jennifer Gagnon or call 540-315-0615.

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