Forests benefit our well-being, wildlife, water quality, and so much more. Woodland Owner Appreciation Day is a free celebration to recognize our local woodland owners and offer resources and networking opportunities. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the sixth Woodland Owner Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 at Sebago Lake State Park. We had a beautiful sunny day and a great turnout of woodland owners from across the Sebago Lake watershed. The event included guided forest walks with local foresters, biologists, and conservationists, as well as lunch and drawings for raffle prizes. The Woodland Owner of the Year Award was presented to the Hague Family.
A big thank you to all our partners, Sebago Lake State Park, and Bissell Brothers Brewing for donating Bissell Bubbles, a sparkling non-alcoholic hop water and made with naturally filtered Sebago Lake water.
Photos courtesy of Rooted in Light Media.
Forestry walks and talk descriptions:
Forest Management 101 (Walk): New to forest management? Not sure where to start? Join foresters for a discussion of the key things to consider when getting started managing your forest.
Managing for Invasive Species (Walk): A discussion with foresters about different types of invasive plants and insects that may exist in your forest and the potential impacts they can have. The group will also discuss the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach and cost-share programs available to the landowners.
Forestry for Maine Wildlife (Walk): Walk through the woods while discussing how forest management benefits a wide variety of wildlife in Maine, from ground-nesting birds to amphibians and mammals.
Introducing the Family Forest Carbon Program (Talk, under the tent): The Family Forest Carbon Program, developed by the American Forest Foundation and The Nature Conservancy, takes a unique and credible approach so that forest owners with 30 acres + can earn income for implementing climate-positive practices. More info below. This talk will be held under the tent as an alternative to the walk options.
The Family Forest Carbon Program helps landowners with 30+ forested acres reach their goals by providing annual income, improving wildlife habitat, and increasing timber value. When you enroll, you’ll receive payments for implementing forest management practices that increase the carbon stored on your land. You’ll also receive an expert consultation from a forester, a forest management plan uniquely designed for your property and your goals, and ongoing expert and community support throughout your participation with the program. The Family Forest Carbon Program is perfect for landowners who are trying to preserve their woods by promoting the growth of native species, older and more mature forests, and increasing wildlife habitat
Visit the website to learn more and check your eligibility: FamilyForestCarbon.org
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) focuses on the conservation of natural resources to ensure availability to future generations. NRCS is a non-regulatory agency that provides landowners with free technical assistance and advice. They works with farm and forest landowners to identify conservation concerns and provide solutions through voluntary conservation programs. Common technical assistance includes: resource assessment, practice design and resource monitoring. A local conservation planner will help you determine if financial assistance is right for you.
Learn more at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/maine
Have a question? outreach@mainelakes.org
