Forestry

Join Conservation biologist Aleta McKeage to learn about the role assisted tree species migration may play in maintaining resilient forests in Maine and help MOFGA and Waldo SWCD establish a small climate-adapted tree research site. During this hands-on volunteer workday, we'll briefly discuss the stresses native trees are currently experiencing, explore the risks and benefits […]

This introductory one and half-day in-person field course is suitable for new or beginning chainsaw operators. Our overwhelming focus is on safety and creating a space where participants feel comfortable asking questions and learning at their own pace. Chainsaws are serious business. Topics to be covered include personal protective equipment (PPE), saw operation and maintenance, […]

This introductory one and half-day in-person field course is suitable for new or beginning chainsaw operators. Our overwhelming focus is on safety and creating a space where participants feel comfortable asking questions and learning at their own pace. Chainsaws are serious business. Topics to be covered include personal protective equipment (PPE), saw operation and maintenance, […]

This half-day field course taught by foresters, soil scientists and experienced land managers is a great introduction to the basics of forest ecology and active stewardship. While touring Hidden Valley Nature Center, we will cover woodland ecology, silviculture, legal issues, management plans, forest tending activities and more. Designed for those with beginner to intermediate experience […]

Join us for a moderate hike to explore both managed forests at MOFGA and unmanaged old forests along the Hills to Sea trail. We’ll discuss the value of unmanaged, late-successional forests for carbon storage and healthy ecosystems, and see some spectacularly large, old trees. Leaders Buck O'Herin and Aleta McKeage will also share information about […]

Learn the basic skills needed to safely use a winch-equipped farm tractor in the woods. This beginner-level course will cover basic tractor and winch operation, building hitches, skid trail layout, landing management and techniques to limit residual stand damage. The course will not include hands-on tree felling instruction. Please bring a lunch.$100; $75 MOFGA members.REGISTER […]

Learn safe chainsaw operation in this one-and-a-half-day course open to femme, non-binary, trans and women participants. We'll cover personal protective equipment (PPE) and chainsaw selection and practice safe handling and open-face bore cutting techniques with instructor supervision. Designed for beginners.  Our overwhelming focus is on safety and creating a space where participants feel comfortable asking […]

Join professional sawyer Nick Zandstra for a hands-on opportunity to learn about portable bandsaw mills. The course will cover basic mill operation, mill yard layout and techniques to maximize lumber quality while milling hardwood and pine logs harvested from the MOFGA woodlot.Please note: Though the course will be taught using a fully-hydraulic Woodmizer mill, the […]

See Dewey’s Lumber and Cedar Mill in operation and learn how they’ve succeeded by staying small and producing a high-quality, specialized product.REGISTER HERE.Questions? Please email [email protected]

Learn the basics of starting or growing a financially viable small sawmill business. We'll discuss opportunities for sawmill businesses and explore different models, strategies and products. This is the first in a two-part business development webinar series led by Harry Watt, Wood Products Specialist at North Carolina State Extension. Designed for aspiring and beginning small-scale […]

Join Harry Watt, wood products specialist at North Carolina State Extension, to learn about marketing avenues and opportunities for small sawmill businesses. We'll also discuss product pricing, basic financial metrics and cost of production. Designed for aspiring and beginning business owners but open to all.REGISTER HERE.Questions? Please email [email protected]

Join Joseph Roy, private lands wildlife biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, for a discussion about wildlife habitat management. Joe will share the four principles of wildfire habitat: cover/shelter, food, space and water. He will cover ways to maintain and improve the condition of each of these elements to benefit wildlife, […]

Are you concerned about the impacts of climate change on forests? Join this webinar to learn about how our forests are impacted by climate change and steps we can take to increase forest resilience. You will also learn about available resources, including a new resource recently developed by UVM Extension, Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation, […]

Understanding how to manage and take care of forests in an uncertain future is a complex undertaking. In this webinar with Vermont Counnty Forester Ethan Tapper, we’ll discuss how to balance managing forests for climate resilience and adaptation, carbon sequestration and storage, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity, while also considering the benefits of local renewable resources […]

$100; $75 MOFGA members.Learn the basic skills needed to safely use a winch-equipped farm tractor in the woods. This beginner-level course will cover basic tractor and winch operation, building hitches, skid trail layout, landing management and techniques to limit residual stand damage. The course will not include hands-on tree felling instruction.This workshop is full!Email [email protected] […]

$100; $75 MOFGA members.Join professional sawyer Nick Zandstra for a hands-on opportunity to learn about portable bandsaw mills. The course will cover basic mill operation, mill yard layout and techniques to maximize lumber quality while milling logs harvested from the MOFGA woodlot. Please note: Though the course will be taught using a fully-hydraulic Woodmizer mill, […]

*Registration is free for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community members, as well as members of the MOFGA Journeyperson program.  In this session, Dr. Jay Wason and two of his current graduate students, Laura Pinover and Emily MacDonald, will discuss how their recent and ongoing research efforts are helping us understand how forest […]