Beaver Staff
The Ontario Woodlot Association is inviting naturalists from Lennox and Addington County to attend its 26th annual Woodlot Conference in Cobourg April 4-5.
The conference will follow the theme “Working our Woodlots this year.
The event will open Thursday, April 4 with a tour of the Northumberland County Forest, guided by Northumberland’s county forest manager Todd Farrell. Farrell will show visitors how dramatically the landscape has changed through 100 years of reforestation and forest management of the 5,500-acre site on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Visitors can learn about the importance of thinned plantations. There may also be an opportunity to see a post-burn site and learn more about the use of fire in oak woodland management.
That evening, there will be a social at the Best Western Plus, allowing a chance to meet fellow woodlot owners, share stories, and hear news from Ontario Woodlot Association chapters, including the Limestone chapter in this region.
On Friday, the conference will continue at the Lions Community Centre, starting with a sunrise breakfast and including a hot lunch.
During the day, participants will be able to participate in a range of stimulating presentations and discussions. Pam Lancaster from the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority will speak on “The Past, Present, and Future of Natural Heritage in the Ganaraska Watershed.” Adam Shoalts, a professional explorer, will deliver the story of his 4,000-km solo trek across the Arctic in his presentation “Alone Across Canada’sArctic.” Tom Richardson, of Lavenrn Heideman & Son Sawmill will speak about “Plantation Management and the Economics of Thinnings.” Val Deziel, of the Nature Conservative of Canada, rounds out the presenters with “Tallgrass Woodland Awakening — Restoration Experiences in the Rice Lake Plains.”
A silent auction and draw prizes are also planned.
For information or registration, please visit www.ontariowoodlot.com or contact Joanne Dudka at 613-713-1525 or info@ontariowoodlot.com.
Pricing for the entire conference is $100 per member or $113 for non-members. Participants can also choose to pay by event, rather than for the whole conference.