Forest Management

As I am about to retire after 32 years as a University of Maryland extension forester, I want to take this opportunity to share some thoughts with you, the readers of Branching Out, and others who have benefited from the Woodland Stewardship Education program.

"The Woods in Your Backyard" program has assisted thousands of property owners across the region learn how to get more from their natural areas.

It is important that the proper incentives are put in place to promote sustainable land management practices to enhance ecosystem services.

The use of new mobile apps make exploring your woods fun and educational. HealthyWoods, a collaborative effort between forest specialists from Kentucky and other hardwood-producing states in the Appalachian region, including Maryland, provides woodland owners with a convenient tool to scout the health of their woods.

The new Woodland Stewardship Education (WSE) website is now online!

The News and Notes roundup for this issue features more kudos for Maryland Forest Service Project Manager Mike Kay, a study about the importance of community forests, news about bats, and an invitation to list your green industry business in a new Extension directory.

Dr. Jim Finley was one of three original authors of “The Woods In Your Backyard” (WIYB) guide.

Maryland's blue paint law allows landowners to mark their property against trespassers. But trespassing does exist. Learn about what can happen next.

The partnership is composed of university extension organizations from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, Alliance for Chesapeake Bay, and Virginia Dept. of Forestry. The Partnership’s activities are supported by other state forestry agencies and green industry associations and organizations.