Training Center at Vinton Furnace. Photo courtesy http://seohiowoods.wordpress.com/
The Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest will host an event showcasing research geared to help woodland owners, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Forestry. “A Day in the Woods” will be held Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
“The 15,800-acre Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest is one of the premier research and demonstration forests in the United States and is Ohio’s newest state forest,” said Lee Crocker, private lands administrator for ODNR’s Division of Forestry. “We are excited to show landowners and others interested in forestry how the decades of important research can help the health of their woods.”
“A Day in the Woods” is free to the public and a great opportunity to learn about the many resources available to landowners in southeast Ohio. There will be displays from numerous partnering agencies who serve woodland owners, as well as representatives available to answer questions. Afternoon wagon tours will feature the woodland owner demonstration area, research plots, the iron furnace and Belgium coke ovens.
A complimentary lunch will be served for those who pre-register by calling OSU Extension at 740-596-5212.
“A Day in the Woods” is a cooperative educational effort, sponsored by ODNR’s Division of Forestry and Division of Wildlife, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, Vinton County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ohio State University Extension, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hocking College and Glatfelter.
Educational woodland programs are offered throughout the summer beginning May 11 and are planned through November. Programs feature tree identification and measurements, proper harvesting strategies and woodland wildlife.
A complete schedule and driving directions can be found by visiting http://seohiowoods.wordpress.com.
ODNR’s Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.