2026 WOSC
The Kentucky Woodland Owners Short Course (WOSC) was designed to assist Kentucky’s woodland owners in the care and management of their woodland resources! The 2026 WOSC consists of 7 online sessions followed by a field session (two options to choose from). The online sessions will provide a solid foundation for woodland owners on key woodland and wildlife management-related topics in Kentucky. These sessions will help prepare woodland owners to become active woodland stewards by:
- raising awareness of key woodland/wildlife issues
- providing examples of how the issues are best addressed
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providing an introduction to the programs and natural resource professionals to support woodland owners
Dates for Online Sessions (Tues. and Thur. 7 - 8:30 PM EDT)
- June 2: Why and How to Manage Your Woodlands/Tree ID
- June 4: Comprehensive Woodland Management
- June 9: White Oak
Management and White Oak App - June 11: Wildlife Management in Kentucky
- June 16: Woodlands and Water Quality
- June 18: Woodland Health
- June 23: Woodland Owner Related Organizations and Programs
The field sessions will:
- showcase the field hosts woodland and wildlife management approaches and activities
- provide participants the opportunity to see woodland and wildlife management practices on the ground and interact with the natural resource professionals who can help you on your woodland
- reinforce what was learned in the online sessions and how it translates to your woodland
Dates for Field Sessions (choose one):
Woodland Owner Extravaganza
The idea behind the Woodland Owner Extravaganza is to provide woodland owners with an opportunity to connect in one place with the many organizations across the state that are available to support you. Instead of having to schedule appointments with different offices across five counties, this event brings everyone together. It gives you the chance to interact face-to-face with these organizations all at once. Overall, it’s a great way to jumpstart your engagement and begin making meaningful conservation improvements on your land.
Featured Webinars
Join us for a Tree Identification Webinar designed to help you recognize common tree species using easy-to-spot features like leaves, bark, and buds. Whether you’re a woodland owner, outdoor enthusiast, or just curious about the trees around you, this webinar will give you practical tools and tips you can use right away. Learn from a forestry professional and build confidence in identifying trees throughout the year.
Learn essential techniques for nurturing and sustaining woodland ecosystems. This session offers practical insights and resources to help you maximize the potential of woodlands.
Learn how to work with professional foresters to comprehensively manage your woodland resources. Representatives from the Kentucky Division of Forestry and Kentucky Association of Consulting foresters will share how they support woodland owners in managing their land.
White oaks are vital in Kentucky, but their regeneration is challenging. Representatives from the UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources will discuss strategies for maintaining white oaks and introduce a new mobile app for white oak management.
This online session focuses on sustainable woodland management practices to foster biodiversity and wildlife conservation. Learn about best practices for enhancing woodland habitats, promoting native species diversity, and managing invasive species effectively. Gain insights from and empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to steward woodlands effectively for both wildlife and forestry benefits.
We have over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers in Kentucky, and many of those are located on privately owned property. Discover ways to safeguard the water quality in your woodlands.
Discover the secrets to maintaining optimal woodland health in this engaging online session. From disease prevention to ecosystem resilience, explore strategies and best practices to ensure the vitality of your woodland environment. This session will delve into key topics, offer practical insights and actionable advice for sustaining the health and longevity of woodland.
Did you know there are many organizations, programs, and resources available to help woodland owners? In this webinar you will learn how to establish a farm number with the Farm Service Agency, access Natural Resources Conservation Service cost-share programs, and hear from representatives of the county Extension offices, county Conservation Districts, and the Kentucky Woodland Owners Association.
Registration is now Open!
Join us now for the Kentucky Woodland Owners Short Course.
Register here...