Forests Under Pressure: A Hike on Hunting & Conservation
2025-10-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Sisters Hill Woods, 176 Sisters Hill Road, Stanfordville, NY, 12581, United States
Join us for a guided hike at Winnakee’s Sister’s Hill Woods during hunting season to explore how conservation, hunting, and forestry go hand-in-hand. We will observe the forest through the eyes of different environmental experts and seasoned hunters.
We will venture through hemlock stands, wetlands, and mixed hardwood forests, discussing topics such as the effects of overabundant deer populations on our local forests, habitat needs for wildlife and game animals and how to improve the forest to meet different management goals. We will also discuss trail cameras, wildlife viewing, and how & where landowners can use them to learn about the wildlife using their properties.
Participants will come away with a greater understanding of why we manage deer on Winnakee preserves for forest health and to improve habitat for species dependent on young forests, insights into how deer hunting might fit with your property and a connection with other conservation-centric hunters through the Winnakee community.

Timber Stand Improvement - In-Progress
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00 | The Boarding House, 212 Harold Myers Road, Earlton, NY, 12058, United States
Park along Indian Ridge Road at the corner of Harold Myers Rd. coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nxuh4A9aVYgzgXWr8
This property has a historic old boarding house. We will visit a locust, mulberry and hybrid chestnut silvopasture project. We will see parts of the property that are under USDA-EQIP contracts for brush management and timber stand improvement.
Goals on the property are to transition from an even age stand to a more climate resilient multiage ecosystem.
Brush management includes controlling undesirable plants: barberry, buckthorn, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, stiltgrass. We have been doing this for one year with 2 more years left on the contract.
Interesting flora include: some very large mid-story and shrub spicebush, winterberry holly, serviceberry, surviving American chestnut, population of flowering dogwood, and a very old stand of declining hemlock.
There is a Catskill Mountain View.
Please wear ankle supporting sturdy shoes since footing can be uneven.
RSVP with Carol at happyinthehollow@gmail.com by October 16 so we know how many to expect.

2025 NYNGA Fall Meeting
2025-10-18 09:00 - 15:00 | Ramble On, 3383 Colegrove Road, Trumansburg, NY, 14886, United States
The New York Nut Growers Association announces that our 2025 Fall Meeting will be held on Oct. 18, 9 am – 3 pm, at Ramble On, 3383 Colegrove Rd, Trumansburg, NY.
Breakfast starts at 9:00 am, and the program begins at 9:30 am. Speakers and discussion topics will include Jeff Zarnowski (Establishing a Commercial Nut Orchard – the First 8 Years); Bryan Caldwell (Growing Chestnuts Organically); Peter Haarmann (Cloning Hazelnut by Stooling); Bradford Smith (My Experiences Growing Chestnut and Other Nut Crops); and Bonny and Rick Monheim (50 Years of Planting and Nurturing Nut Trees: from Almonds to Walnuts).

A light breakfast and lunch are included in the cost of meeting registration, which is $20/member, $25/non-member. Pre-registration is required to facilitate meal planning.

Please feel free to share this announcement with others who may be interested.

For additional information and to register for the meeting, use the link below. Thanks for your ongoing interest in and support of nut growing in New York!

Reserve your ticket

Protecting Wetlands for Wildlife, Water & Resilience - WEBINAR
2025-10-23 13:00 - 14:30 | NY
Join Winnakee for a free educational webinar focused on the vital role of wetlands in supporting biodiversity, clean water, and climate resilience. We will share insights from our joint projects to monitor wildlife and enhance habitat, as well as how landowners can play a key role in protecting and enhancing wetland ecosystems. Learn more about Winnakee’s wetland programs, youth stewardship initiatives, and how local partnerships are making a lasting impact across the Hudson Valley.
Register Here: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E74841&id=136&formid=1362&Preview=true

November Woodswalk
2025-11-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Freeman – Campbell-Nelson, 86 Meadow Lane, Hannacroix, NY, 12087, United States
Owners: Russell and Forrest Freeman and Katie Campbell-Nelson
Presenters: Forester Ron Frisbee and the landowners
84 wooded acres. The property was purchased by Katie and Russell in 2018 and they began living there full time in 2019 when they also began forest management.
To focus their efforts, they secured a forest management plan written by Ron Frisbee, paid for by USDA-EQIP funds. Contracts for conservation practices (brush management and timber stand improvement) will begin when EQIP funds become available again.
From their forest management plan:
“Our vision is to develop a climate resilient forest with improved biodiversity and wildlife habitat that can be a place for education of future generations.
This vision will be achieved through several goals and objectives:
1. Coax a multiage, biodiverse forest out of the trees, including flora that has been present for over 2 centuries.
2. Utilize bi-products of forest stewardship- find multiple purposes for the forestry we conduct.
3. Develop drought resilience with respect to water quantity and quality and support downstream ecosystem health.”
Things to see: a portable sawmill operation. We recover lumber from undesirable trees as part of our timber stand improvement and mill them on-site. Thus, small scale forest openings are created throughout the property while putting low quality timber to use.
More to see… a 4-story barn re-habilitation project utilizing timber from the woods, a several hundred log shiitake mushroom operation, maple sugar-bush conversion, hemlock grove
If conditions permit, we will get a a peek at a blackgum bog.
Please RSVP with Carol at happyinthehollow@gmail.com by November 6th.

Southern Tier Annual Potluck
2026-01-17 13:30 - 16:00 | Broome County Cooperative Extension, 840 Front Street, Binghamton, NY, 13901, United States
The Southern tier Chapter of the New York Forest Owners Association will have Tom Tasber speak on American black bears at our free, open-to-the-public annual Potluck Dinner (late lunch). Doors will open at 1:30 PM with the meal starting at 2 PM. The meeting will be held at the Broome County Cooperative Extension, 840 Front Street, Binghamton, NY. Bring a dish to pass and your table service. We will provide beverages and a sheet pizza to supplement your gourmet offerings. Please call Steve at (607) 902-4090 to let us know that you will attend. This will allow us to plan for seating and beverages.
Thomas Tasber works for Broome County Cooperative Extension as a naturalist and educator. He runs the popular “Lunch with Tom” educational seminars, sponsored by the Broome County Cooperative Extension. Research has shown that residents would like to see a black bear, but not necessarily have them living near their homes. With the black bear population increasing across our area since the 1980s, sightings and encounters are more frequent. Tom will examine the bear’s natural history in addition to discussing ways to coexist with this widespread species.

American Black Bears with Thomas Tasber
2026-03-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Cornell Cooperative Extension – Madison County, 100 Eaton Street, Morrisville, NY, 13408, United States
On Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 1 pm, the CNY Chapter of NYFOA will have Thomas Tasber speak on American black bears at our free, open-to-the-public meeting at Cornell Cooperative Extension-Madison County, 100 Eaton Street, Morrisville, NY 13408.
Thomas Tasber works for Broome County Cooperative Extension as a naturalist and educator. He runs the popular “Lunch with Tom” educational seminars, sponsored by the Broome County Cooperative Extension.
The black bear population has been increasing and spreading across our area since the 1980’s, with sightings and encounters more frequent. Tom will examine the bear’s natural history, in addition to discussing ways to safely co-exist with this popular species.
Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can set up seating. You can email Eric Gantley
at Eric@Frigodesign.com or call Bruce Revette at (315) 447-2741 or Ralph Meyer at (315) 264-1087.

Calling All Maple Producers
2026-03-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Cornell Cooperative Extension – Jefferson County, 203 North Hamilton Street, Watertown, NY, 13601, United States
From one tree to one thousand, this event is designed for producers at every scale. Join fellow producers for an evening focused on connection, collaboration, and shared learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, troubleshoot common challenges, explore mentorship opportunities, and hear from a featured keynote speaker. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow and refine your operation, this event offers valuable insights and meaningful connections for producers at every stage.
Link to Register:
https://apps.ideal-logic.com/cornellcoop?key=[REDACTED]

Fruit Tree/Bush Pruning
2026-03-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Ed and Donna Welch, 105 Dankers Road, Johnsburg, NY, 12843, United States
Mike Basedow Tree Fruit Specialist from Cornell Cooperative Extension will provide information and demonstrate how to properly prune.
Directions: Dankers Road is 2.3 miles down South Johnsburg Road from its intersection with Route 8 in Johnsburg. The house is 1/2 mile down Dankers Road on the left. There are no other houses on the road.

Sawmill Tour
2026-04-21 01:30 - 15:30 | A.D. Bowman and Sons Lumber Co., 1690 US 11, Castle Creek, NY, 13744, United States
The Southern Tier Chapter, NY Forest Owners Association, has arranged a tour of the A.D. Bowman & Sons Lumber Co. sawmill for April 21st, starting at 1:30. The sawmill is located at 1690 US Route 11 North, Castle Creek, NY 13744. Castle Creek is approximately seven miles north of Binghamton, taking exit 7 from Interstate 81. Drive north on Rt. 11 for approximately 2.2 miles from the exit 7 interchange and park in the lot on the east side of the road, across from the sawmill buildings.
A.D. Bowman & Sons is celebrating its Centennial Anniversary this year and is currently operated by Adam and Aaron Bowman, the fourth generation of the Bowman family in the business. Many of us with woodlots in this part of the state have seen our sawtimber go to the Bowman sawmill. Before starting the tour, we will meet in the employee lunchroom for a brief discussion about current sawtimber markets and an overview of the Bowman operation. The tour will include their wood pallet manufacturing line and should conclude by 3:30 or sooner. Earplugs and safety glasses will be provided.

Please call Jerry Michael to reserve a spot for this tour (607) 648-2941, or email GoTreeGo80@gmail.com.

Arbor Day Invasives Plant Walk
2026-04-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Laughing Earth Farm, 3842 State Route 2, Cropseyville, NY, 12052, United States
Arbor Day Invasives Plant Walk
When: April 24, 2026, 5:00 PM (1-2hrs)
Where: Laughing Earth Farm, 3842 State Route 2, Cropseyville, NY 12052.
Join Sean Murphy of the Agriculture Stewardship Association (ASA) on a walk about the farm and learn to identify invasive plants in the woodland when they are easiest to spot. Many management options begin in early spring – so let’s get a jump on it!
This event is a collaboration between ASA and NYFOA-CDC.
RSVP to: sean@agstewardship.org

WFL General Meeting - Alaska Surveying for the US Government
2026-04-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Honeoye United Church of Christ, 8758 Main Street, Honeoye, NY, 14471, United States
The evening’s featured speaker will be Dan Holtje, co-owner of Finger Lakes Land Surveying (FLLS). Dan holds a dual degree in forestry and surveying from Paul Smith’s College (1988) and brings decades of wide-ranging experience to his work, including contract surveying for National Grid, highway and topographic surveys, Native allotment surveys in Alaska, surveying Akzo salt mines, and snow surveys at Sacandaga Lake. He and his wife Julie have operated FLLS together since 2006; Julie also serves as zoning officer for the Town of West Bloomfield.

Lepak Farm Spring Woodswalk
2026-05-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Lepak Farm, 229 Hemingway Road, Whitney Point, NY, 13862, United States
This spring woods walk will cover a variety of topics, including:
· Brief discussion on the use of the Cornell Bird Call Identification app, Merlin.
· Local spring birding update by John Knapp.
· Grassland bird habitat lands are under the Conservation Reserve Program.
· White spruce tree disease observation.
· Porcupine activity observation.
· Manmade 5-acre wildlife marsh habitat observation at 30 years old.
· Pond building discussion, if desired by the group.
· Water control structures- pluses and minuses.
· Beaver issues.
The woods walk will be approximately 1 mile long on uneven, natural forest terrain. Hiking poles and waterproof footwear are recommended, as the trail could be wet after recent rains. Restrooms are not available. The woods walk program will be one to one and a half hours long, depending on the number of questions.
The Lepak Farm is located two miles from the village of Whitney Point at 229 Hemingway Road, Whitney Point, NY 13862. Turn left onto Hemingway Road approximately one mile east of the village, just off State Route 206. On Hemingway Road, drive one mile to the end, where the farm is located. The road becomes gravel for the last 200 yards and ends in a cul-de-sac. Parking is limited to the cul-de-sac and along the road. Please Park as close as possible to other vehicles to allow adequate space for all. Reservations are not required. If you have questions, call Steve at 607-902-4090.

Pack Forest Woodswalk
2026-05-16 09:30 - 13:30 | Pack Forest, 136 Pack Forest Road, Warrensburg, NY, 12885, United States
At SUNY ESF’s Demonstration Forest in Warrensburg we will tour new projects recently completed.
Lunch to follow – please bring your own bag lunch and beverage

Understanding Oak Wilt: A Free Workshop for Landowners and the Community
2026-06-04 18:30 - 20:00 | South Bristol Town Hall, 6500 West Gannett Hill Road, Naples, NY, 14512, United States
Join the Finger Lakes Land Trust and the Western Finger Lakes Chapter of NYFOA for a free informational workshop on oak wilt presented by Austin Shay of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Landowners and community members will learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of oak wilt, properly report suspected cases, and take steps to help prevent its spread. DEC staff will also share the latest updates on monitoring and management strategies being implemented locally, along with practical guidance for protecting oak trees on your property and across our region’s forests.
No registration required.
PowerPoint Presentation

Hidley Farm Woodswalk
2026-06-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Hidley Farm, 287 Hidley Road, Wynantskill, NY, 12198, United States
Forester Mary Spring will lead a walk on Hidley Farm with hosts Dick and Shari Gibbs who were founders of the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, now the Hudson Taconic Lands. Come learn from some amazing people who have dedicated lives and careers in forest conservation and stewardship. This 150-acre piece is a living example of community forestry – neighbors cut and use the firewood, tap maple, and hay the fields. Generations have done the same.

Dave Spann Woods Walk
2026-06-06 09:00 - 13:30 | Dave Spann, 5552 Westfield-Sherman Rd, Westfield, NY, 14787, United States
Tour a 50 acre professionally managed woodlot.
This is an opportunity to see the results of 16 years of forestry and habitat management including the results of a recent harvest, 3 acres of food plots developed from a failed spruce plantation, and hear how different federal grant programs can be used to enhance forest property. The terrain is easy with flat, groomed trails throughout.
The event will be held rain or shine unless a storm warning has been issued. There is no charge and the general public is welcome. Participants are invited to bring a brown bag lunch and socialize with others at the conclusion of this half-day event; a beverage will be provided. Hope to see many of you there.
Landing is directly across the road from the 5552 address marker.

NAC Chateguay Woodlands Woodswalk
2026-06-06 09:00 - 16:00 | Chateguay Woodlands, Goldsmith Road
The New York Forest Owners Association’s Northern Adirondack Chapter
announces an upcoming Woodswalk in Franklin County on Saturday June 6, 2026,
near Chateguay Lake in Eastern Franklin County, NY. Starting location is a
snowmobile parking lot off Goldsmith Road coordinates, 44.57335296049713, –
73.98761132436125. The walk will commence at 9:00 am with a break at noon for
a brown bag lunch, then proceed with an afternoon session concluding at about
3:30-4:00 pm. The host property “Chateguay Woodlands” owned by Aurora
Sustainable Lands, Chapel Hill NC and managed by Landvest Forest Resources,
Concord NH, is 80,000 thousand acres in size and is managed by District Forester
Adam Bullis, based at the Lowville, NY Office. Participants will have an
opportunity to view various regenerative silviculture methodologies, including
shelterwoods, clearcut blocks, and overstory removals with a special focus on
Expanding Gap Shelterwood Systems. Adam will discuss ongoing roadwork and
repair to maintain access to Chateaugay Woodlands inclusive of a difficult project
brought about by the devasting 2023 rainstorm/flood. Finally, he will discuss
American Beech management strategies employed over the years on the
property. Depending on harvest schedules we may have opportunity to view
some modern commercial harvesting equipment. Note that participants may be
required to sign a liability waiver.
Please pack a lunch, bring a friend, and enjoy a day in the field, rain or shine, for
your chance to network with friends and take home a door prize. You may just be
able to see a moose. This will be a multiple-stop vehicle tour with some walking
involved. Walking is generally easy and participants have the option of skipping
individual site visits if necessary. Please note, no bathroom facilities are available
for this event. Pré-register by text message with Scott Bonno at 315-854-7788 or
by email glenmeal@yahoo.com by June 1, 2026.

Pack Forest Open House - What Does Forestry Mean to You?
2026-06-23 08:30 - 15:30 | Pack Forest, 136 Pack Forest Road, Warrensburg, NY, 12885, United States
From landowners and managers to contractors and manufacturers, each of us plays a vital role in sustainable forest management. Join fellow industry members for a day of field-based discussion as we bring all facets of forestry together to build a more sustainable future.
Register Now!
Click here to register https://forms.gle/ZeUUxuyuL5s4Vxms8
Registration & Coffee – 8:30 AM – provided at no cost to attendees.
Opening Discussion– 9 AM
Field Tours – 10:15 – 12:30PM
Climate Adaptive Silviculture
Prescribed fire
Tree marking exercise & discussion
Lunch – 12:30 – 1:15PM – provided at no cost to attendees.
Door prizes announced!
Field Tours – 1:15 – 3:30 PM
Old growth and recreation
Hemlock management
Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Where Conservation Meets Tax Planning
2026-06-25 13:00 - 15:00 | NY
Building on the legacy planning conversations at the New York Forest Owners Association May annual meeting, this free webinar takes the conservation toolkit one step further — into the specifics of how different financial situations match different conservation strategies.
Robert Davis (CEO, Winnakee Land Trust) and Nick Jensen (Mercer Advisors and NYFOA Treasurer) will walk through several typical forest landowner profiles — a retiree managing RMDs or Roth conversions, a recently retired couple selling some acres to fund retirement, a landowner with significant land value but modest income, an heir uncertain what to do with inherited forest land — and show how conservation tools (easements, donations, bargain sales, the NY Conservation Easement Tax Credit, FCELT) might work for each.
If you’ve ever thought “that conservation idea sounds interesting, but I have no idea whether it would actually work for me” — this session is built for you. We’ll reserve time at the end for questions. Please note that this event is geared toward general education only, not personalized financial, tax, or legal advice. (Decisions about your specific situation should be made with your own CPA and attorney.)
If you have a specific scenario that you would like to see covered in this webinar,
please email uri@winnakee.org, and we will do our best to cover it.

Releasing the Reality of the Existing Forest - WFL/AFC
2026-07-25 09:00 - 13:00 | Collette and David Morabito, 6067 White Creek Road (County Road 17), Friendship, NY, 14739, United States
Bruce Robinson, our Forester for over the past 20 years, will guide us through one of the great challenges facing landowners. Specifically, ownership of a commercially high-graded forest (approximately 99.7%). The existing forest has a high percentage of trees which have already been rejected by the industry. Unfortunately, these low-quality trees have the ability to represent the future forest. Starting over is impractical for private landowners. Few landowners have the luxury of 60-90 years needed for the new forest development. Substantial Taxes, the greatest ownership deterrent and combined with the element of time, create the negative side of the equation. Forest managers must apply management which improves the grade of the forest and shortens the number of years without forest income. This recovery should begin with and be sustained by commercial cutting.
We will discuss the difference between a forest which has developed naturally to attain certain attributes such as volume, quality, vigor and vitality in contrast with that of a forest that might have the same volume but the quality, vitality, and vigor have been compromised. Why do some trees, and entire forests, seem to grow so slowly, while trees of similar size in another forest seem superior? We will discuss what makes a tree young (it is not age), mature (yes, it has everything to do with upbringing), and even how to recognize over-maturity (it happens even with seedlings). Wouldn’t it be great to find superior trees throughout the forest and make them young again? Our theme will be ‘Releasing the Reality of the Existing Forest’. As Bruce would say, Love the Forest!
Please arrive at 9 a.m. Light breakfast fair will be available as well as fresh water. A short preview of the woods walk will be made by Bruce Robinson before we head out into the woods. There are stairs to consider, rocky roads and paths, some mild uphill challenges for some folks, and dress for the weather/bugs/outdoors. We will host this woods walk rain or shine.
After the presentation, we invite you to please stay for lunch. Cook your own hot dog(s) over an open fire, chili, salads, snacks, fruit, and s’mores for dessert. You are welcome to stay and enjoy time around the campfire, visit with friends, and in his usual delightful humor, Bruce is always available to answer questions. All are welcome. We would appreciate your communicating directly with us as to the number of people in your group attending, so that we might better prepare the food needed to satisfy each of you.
Please RSVP that you will attend and the number in your party to: colettemorabito57@gmail.com or call 585/248-0654, please leave a message.

NAC Wellesley Island Woodswalk
2026-07-25 10:00 - 12:30 | Darrel and Judy Rippeteau, 45608 Landon Road, Wellesley Island, NY, 13640, United States
The New York Forest Owners Association’s Northern Adirondack Chapter
announces its second Woodswalk of the 2026 season, to be held at 45608 Landon
Rd, Wellesley Island NY in Jefferson County on Saturday July 25, 2026. Our hosts
Darrel and Judy Rippeteau will show us the effects of an eight-foot deer exclusion
fence on plant growth. Participants will see firsthand the progress created over
three years, as wildflowers, native grasses and desired tree species have taken
hold and continue to thrive in this setting. Darrel will further explain his efforts to
compost forest cuttings and display his ongoing garden projects.
This is an easy walking, minimal effort event limited to 20 participants
commencing at 10:00am. Lunch will be served overlooking the American channel
of the St. Lawrence Seaway at the conclusion of this approximately two-hour
event. Bathroom facilities are available on site. Pré-register by text message
Scott Bonno at 315-854-7788 or by email glenmeal@yahoo.com by July 23, 2026.

NAC Final Woodswalk - 2026
2026-08-29 09:00 - 15:00 | Dan Rutherford, 301 Chipman Corners Rd,, Lisbon, NY, 13658, United States
We have an exceptional event in store for you on Saturday August 29, 2026. The
New York Forest Owners Association’s Northern Adirondack Chapter announces
its final Woodswalk of the season, to be held at 301 Chipman Corners Rd, Lisbon
NY 13658 commencing at 9:00 am. Our host Dan Rutherford is very active in his
forest and is the face of a multi-generational effort involving his father, siblings
and many other family members, who collectively own over 400 acres. There is a
long history of silvicultural work, which continues today with Dan’s participation
in grant opportunities. The family has undertaken planting several different tree
species and Dan continues to operate a Bandsaw mill to market forest products
from the property. We will make a stop at the mill to get a real time view of the
mill in operation. Dan will also highlight the history and current state of the maple
operation, which is a blend of modern practices and some old school tried and
true methods. Finally, he will also discuss efforts to manage the deer herd by
leasing a family-built cabin to an out-of-the-area hunt club and his lease
arrangements with local farmers to offset property taxes.
There will be a significant bit of walking involved in this event; however, the
terrain is very friendly with little elevation change. We will break at midday for a
brown bag lunch. Please note, there are bathroom facilities available at one stop.
Door prizes will be awarded at days end. Pre-register by text message Scott
Bonno at 315-854-7788 or by email glenmeal@yahoo.com by July 23, 2026.
