Local Women Invited to Hands-On Forestry Learning Circle

Women landowners, farmers and conservation enthusiasts in Montgomery County will have a unique opportunity to build forestry skills and connect with peers at an upcoming Women4theLand learning circle focused on woodland stewardship.

Hosted by the Montgomery County Soil & Water Conservation District in partnership with Women4theLand, this interactive event – a “Woodland Stewardship Starts with You: Building Skills for Healthy Forests” – offers practical, hands-on education in a supportive, women-focused environment.

The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m., beginning at the Hoosier Heartland State Bank Success Center in Crawfordsville. Following the morning session and lunch, participants will travel to Brickyard Nature Park for an in-the-field exploration of woodland management practices.

Participants will gain practical knowledge on:

• Timber stand improvement and long-term forest health
• Identification and management of invasive plant species
• Tree identification techniques
• Understanding timber harvest decisions and processes

The afternoon field experience will give attendees a real-world look at how these practices are applied, helping bridge the gap between learning and doing.

In addition to hands-on learning, participants will enjoy a light breakfast and complimentary lunch while connecting with conservation professionals and other women managing land in the region. Representatives from partner organizations will be available to share resources and programs that support woodland stewardship.

“This workshop is intentionally designed as a welcoming, women-focused space,” said Lea Dick, Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District Conservation Director. “Whether you’re new to woodland ownership or have years of experience, participants will leave with practical tools and renewed confidence in caring for their forests.”

Women4theLand learning circles are part of a growing statewide and national effort to support women in agriculture and natural resource management. Women now represent a significant and increasing portion of landowners and agricultural decision-makers in Indiana, and programs like this provide space for peer learning, skill-building, and confidence development.

The event also aligns with the global recognition of the United Nations International Year of the Woman Farmer, celebrating the essential role women play in sustaining farms, forests, and local food systems.