The Master Woodland Owner program delivers a comprehensive training curriculum for private woodland owners interested in becoming better stewards of their woods.
We know how deeply Minnesotans care about their land. That's why we've developed the Master Woodland Owner program. This landowner education program teaches family forest owners the ins and outs of forest health, monetizing your land, management for recreation and wildlife, estate planning and taxes, and more.
Become a steward of your own woodland
Online topics will be offered as a series of self-paced modules with exercises and group discussions. Complete the work on your schedule while still contributing to group learning. Participants will also be expected to attend three in-person sessions throughout the course.
New classes are regularly added. Watch this space for updates on new dates and locations for upcoming programs, and don't forget to join our email list!
After completing the Master Woodland Owner program, participants will be able to:
- Consider the different reasons and ways to manage their woods.
- Identify common trees and invasive plants.
- Select appropriate trees and know how to plant them.
- Map their property and conduct a woodland inventory.
- Find and talk with natural resources professionals.
- Discuss financial considerations of land ownership (including tax incentives and estate planning) with their family and financial/tax advisors.
- Serve as a mentor to other private woodland owners.
Volunteer service
After completing the Master Woodland Owner program, participants have the option of continuing on to become Master Woodland Volunteers.
Using the same system in which landowners can track their management activities on their own property, Master Woodland Volunteers can track time spent on volunteering, outreach, and continuing education.
Questions on the Master Woodland Volunteer Program? Contact Matt Russell at russellm@umn.edu or 612-626-4280.
- You’ll join a community of private woodland owners just like you.
- You’ll be recognized as a Master Woodland Volunteer at UMN Extension Forestry events.
- You’ll contribute to keeping Minnesota’s woodlands healthy for future generations.
Master Woodland Volunteers are private landowners that are champions of Minnesota's woodlands. Your involvement as a Master Woodland Volunteer includes a commitment to be a steward to your own woods, volunteering to assist others in woodland stewardship, and continuing your education as a woodland owner.
Prerequisite
If you choose to become a Master Woodland Volunteer, you must first have completed the University of Minnesota Extension’s Master Woodland Owner course (or previously named Woodland Advisor course).
Requirements
Master Woodland Volunteers are expected to complete the following activities on an annual basis:
- Ten hours of volunteer or outreach activities per year.
- Five hours of continuing education.
- Identify a specific stewardship project for your woodland that can be carried out in a year. Identify your goals and benchmarks of success with the project.
Expectations
- Volunteers will commit to accomplishing each of the program requirements on an annual basis.
- Volunteers will report their accomplishments through an online system.
- Volunteers will have a working email address and stay in communication with UMN Extension Forestry instructors.
Volunteer work can vary widely from person to person, and across the state. Generally speaking, as long as it is something that promotes the sustainability of Minnesota's forests, it will count.
Looking for a place to start?
You may also find opportunities with your local nature center, elementary school, or just across your fence—reaching out to neighbors about sustainable management is a great way to volunteer your time and help Minnesota's forests!.
Questions on the Master Woodland Volunteer Program? Contact Matt Russell at russellm@umn.edu or 612-626-4280.
Reviewed in 2020