Woodland Stewardship

Healthy, abundant woodlands are crucial to the production of wood products, the provision of wildlife habitat and the protection of water purity. New York State is 60% forested, with 74% of its woodlands owned and managed by private landowners.

The Agroforestry Resource Center offers educational programs that provide hands-on experiences in forest stewardship for landowners, youth and forest professionals. We offer a wide variety of programs seasonally, including maple syrup production, tree pruning and mushroom cultivation. Our Siuslaw Model Forest provides demonstrations, signage and walking trails. 

Master Forest Owner Program

The Master Forest Owner (MFO) program is an initiative of Cornell Cooperative Extension that has helped over 1,000 landowners since its inception in 1991. MFO volunteers visit the properties of interested landowners and accompany them on a woods walk. The MFO provides advice to the landowner on stewardship options, techniques and resources.

MFO volunteers attend a training where they learn about forest ecology, wildlife, silviculture and forest economics. After graduating from the training, MFO volunteers continue to receive information and maintain contact with natural resource professionals who can provide expert advice to landowners. Interested in becoming an MFO volunteer? Get more information HERE.

Are you a landowner interested a visit from an MFO volunteer? The Agroforestry Resource Center serves as the coordinator for the MFO program in the Hudson Valley/Northern Catskill region. For more information: view our MFO brochure, visit the NYS MFO website, or contact MFO regional coordinator Pammi Price.

In These Woods Letter Series

“In These Woods” is a monthly letter series for all those who interact with the woods. Whether you manage forests or appreciate them from a distance, you can learn all about agroforestry, forest ecology, wildlife, recreation, timber management, and more. Sign up to enjoy, study and sustainably manage the woods around you. 

Learn more or sign up at the In These Woods page.

Trained Logger Certification

The Trained Logger Certification (TLC) program has been developed to recognize loggers who complete a series of training classes involving three “core” areas of knowledge and skills. The “core” areas are Chainsaw Operation, Safety, & Productivity; Forest Ecology & Silviculture; and Adult First Aid & CPR. An individual completing these three workshops is eligible to receive TLC certification.

Loggers are required to hold TLC certification when harvesting timber on New York State lands.  Staff members at the Agroforestry Resource Center work with the Watershed Agricultural Council to provide TLC trainings for loggers in the Catskills/Lower Hudson Region.

For more information: visit the Watershed Ag Council’s Logger & Forester Training page; explore the New York Logger Training website; or contact TLC coordinator Tracey Testo.

Last updated July 1, 2021