Event Description:
Interfering and invasive plants complicate the management of woodlands for owners and foresters. Notably, interfering plants such as beech, fern and black birch and striped maple constrain forest regeneration. These species can shade desirable species, slowing their growth and making them more vulnerable to deer browsing. If you work with, or should work with, controlling these types of species, come to Cornell’s Arnot Forest on September 30 for a day-long workshop that will (i) provide foresters and woodland owners information about the ecological role of American beech (and other interfering vegetation) and deer in limiting forest regeneration, and (ii) review herbicide, organic and fence management strategies to ensure effective regeneration. This workshop will help participants understand the ecological principles that underlie the complications of forest regeneration, especially the interaction of deer and interfering plants. Management strategies that limit exposure to deer impacts may reduce the need for herbicidal control of beech, and without deer control more vegetative control may be necessary.

The workshop will mix classroom and field lectures with presentations by Dr. Paul Curtis, Dr. Peter Smallidge, Brett Chedzoy and Kristi Sullivan. Registration starts at 9:00AM with light refreshments, and the workshop starts promptly at 10:00AM. Final session concludes at 4:20PM. Bring a bag lunch. Bottled water will be provided. Visits to field sites will be by carpooling. Field stops will include limited but quick walking on level terrain regardless of the weather. Pre-registration is $20. Online registration closes September 28. Visit https://cornell.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8J5G74551tVLlc1

This workshop has been approved by NYSDEC Bureau of Pest Management (Pesticide Certification) for 3.75 credits in category 2 (Forest). This workshop is pending approval by the Society of American Forests for CFE credits.