2026 Vermont Woodland Conference
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Tending the Forest: Stewardship in Changing Times
The Vermont Woodlands Conference brings together forest landowners, foresters, loggers, and stewards for a full day of learning grounded in the real-world decisions that shape Vermont’s forests and the people who care for them. Through practical sessions, policy discussions, and peer learning, you’ll leave with new ideas to consider in your own woods—and a stronger connection to a community committed to thoughtful, informed forest stewardship. VT Consulting Forester CEUs and LEAP Credits available.
Keynote Speaker: Paul Catanzaro
Paul Catanzaro is a Professor of Forest Ecology and Conservation at the University of Massachusetts and serves as the State Extension Forester and co-director of the Family Forest Research Center, a partnership between UMass and the USDA Forest Service. For more than 25 years, Paul has worked closely with family forest owners to better understand their goals, questions, and challenges—and to translate that knowledge into practical, accessible guidance. He is the co-author (with Tony D’Amato of UVM) of Tending Your Forest, a widely used guide to ecological forest stewardship in the eastern and central United States.
Pre-order Paul’s book when you register (conference price: $25), or purchase from the VT Woodlands store below!
Buy Paul's Book Now.
NEW! Kid's Conference
We’re thrilled to share that thanks to a partnership with Audubon Vermont we are offering a half-day Kids Conference! Kids (ages 5-13) will explore forests through hands-on activities with Audubon's forest camp staff while parents attend conference sessions.
Schedule at a Glance
8:00 AM VWA Steward Member Appreciation Breakfast in Judd Hall
8:30 AM Registration and Refreshments
9:00 AM Welcome, Kate Forrer, Executive Director, Vermont Woodlands Association
9:15 AM Keynote Address: “Tending Your Forest: Lessons in Ecological Forestry”
Paul Catanzaro, Author & UMass Extension Forester
10:15 AM Stewardship Concurrent Sessions various locations
Session 1
- Beech Leaf Disease, Savannah Ferreira, VT FPR
- Enhancing Wildlife Habitat in Your Woods, Travis Hart, VT Fish & Wildlife
- Planning Your Woodland Legacy: Stewardship Across Generations, Multiple panelists
- The Economics of a Logging Job , Alex Barrett, Long View Forestry
Session 2
- Vermont Tree Farm Round-up, Kathy Beland, Vermont Tree Farm Program
- Woodland Amphibians: Small Creatures, Big Indicators, Jim Andrews, Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas
- Emerald Ash Borer & Biocontrol: What to Expect, Josh Halman, VT FPR
- Markets, Maple, and Carbon: Income Opportunities for Your Woods, Multiple panelists
12:00 PM Lunch Judd Hall Visit with displays, get your book signed, and enjoy lunch
- State of the Forests and Forestry Policy
- VWA Annual Business Meeting- See Agenda
- VT Tree Farm Program Awards
2:00 PM Managing for Resilience: Balancing Wildlife, Forest Health, and Ecological Values in Productive Forests
Panelists:
- Charlie Hancock, County Forester, VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
- Josh Blouin, Wildlife Biologist, Vermont Fish & Wildlife
- Al Freeman, Climate Program, VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
- Caitlin Cusack, Forester, Vermont Land Trust
3:00 PM Broadening Perspectives: Lessons from Forests & Forestry Beyond Vermont
Ethan Tapper, Author, Consulting Forester, VT Tree Farmer
Over the last 18 months, Ethan has traveled across North America, delivering keynotes to hundreds of conservation organizations, government agencies, and community groups. He will share some of the lessons he has learned about forest ecology, forest stewardship and more from beyond Vermont’s borders, illustrating how different forests and forestry can be.
4:00 PM Safe Travels
Thank you to our sponsor!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? There's still time!
Registration Information
Pre-registration is required.
VWA Member/VT Tree Farmer- $45
Non VWA Member- $55
Join VWA Today- $45 (become a new member and save $10!)
Student Registration- $20
Kid's Conference Registration- $10/child
Children under 5 are welcome to attend for free under their parents’ care
Registration is now closed