U of M Extension
Learn new strategies to steward your forested property for future generations
Collegeville, MN (12/11/2025) — Did you know that a third of Minnesota’s forests — over 5 million acres — are family-owned? And yet, these woodland stewards may not know where to start with caring for their land and finding people and resources to help them. The Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference is the place to start on their woodland stewardship journey.
University of Minnesota Extension and its partners are hosting the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference on March 13-14 at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Participants are invited to learn how to create action plans for the lands they steward, connect with local forestry professionals and build a support network of peers. Participants will learn about forest health, woodland management best practices, wildlife habitat — and about cost-sharing and other financial considerations. Extension Educator Anna Stockstad said attendees needn’t own a massive swath of forestland to attend. Cabin owners, naturalist volunteers or anyone who wants to learn how to care for forests are encouraged to attend.
“We know that Minnesotans feel a connection to the land — and a responsibility to actively care for their land. But they may not know where to start,” Stockstad said. “If you care for woodlands, this conference is for you.”
This conference will include field tours, a banquet featuring keynote speaker Ethan Tapper, author of How to Love a Forest, more than 15 breakout sessions, and more. Choose one of four field tours to learn more about oak seedling propagation and stewardship; maple syruping; woodworking; and the largest wood-fired kiln in North America.
Participants will be able to make direct connections with professionals who can help them meet their stewardship goals. Breakout sessions will include topics such as how to create your own at-home seedling nursery, forest health, wildlife, seed collection, forest resilience, oak savanna restoration, and more inspiring sessions meant to help land stewards turn goals into action.
Join Extension for a weekend of learning and connecting with fellow woodland stewards. Register early and receive an early bird discount at this affordable conference ($50- 60 for two days). For more information on the Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference, visit: mfwc.umn.edu.
