LEWISTON – Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District and the Maine Forest Service are partnering to bring a five-part landowner classroom course and a possible field day to those interested.

Classroom sessions will be offered from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 20 to April 17, at the USDA Service Center Conference Room, 254 Goddard Road. The cost for the complete package, including the possible field day, will be $80 a person.

Individuals may register for one or more classroom session(s) and the field day for a cost of $20 a session. Attendance at a minimum of one session is required to be eligible for attending the field day.

Preregistration and payment in advance are required. Seating is limited and will be reserved for those registering for the complete package, then on a first to sign up basis until the classroom is full for each session. Contact Jane of the Conservation District Office at 753-9400, ext. 400, for a registration form.

Instruction will be given by staff from the Maine Forest Service, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and by private consultants. Light refreshment will be available at each classroom session.

Classroom topics for March 20 will include “Basic Introduction to Small Woodlot Management,” “Tree Identification,” “Defining Forester,” “Forestry,” “MFS Woodswise Program” and “USDA Cost Share Programs.”

Topics for March 27 will include “Wildlife and Forest Management” and “Protecting and Enhancing Maine’s Forest Resources.” On April 3, the topics will include “Controlling Insects and Disease” and “Working with a Consulting Forester.”

On April 10, the topics will include “Marketing and Utilization” and “Urban Forestry Pruning.” On April 17, the focus will be “Terrestrial Invasives.” The date and subject for the field visit will be decided the during the first classroom session.

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