Surveys of US forest landowners have found that women are less likely to make, or be part of, family forestland management decisions. Because women tend to live longer than men they often, ultimately, become the primary decision makers about their forests, but tend to be less prepared for this role. Female landowners need ecology-based land management information and support to best manage their land, but are unlikely to attend informational meetings and workshops where they feel uncomfortable (e.g., in locations with few other women). At the same time, Alabama Extension professionals found it difficult to get sizeable numbers of landowners to attend traditional meetings and workshops. It was decided that a different approach was needed. In 2016, Alabama Extension launched ForestHER: A workshop for women who love the land. This hands-on workshop introduced participants to topics such as map reading, compass reading and pacing, forest inventories, and timber marketing. Upon completion of the project participants were surveyed regarding their evaluation of the course.
Results/Conclusions
Since its foundation, over 100 women landowners have participated in ForestHER workshops. Course offerings have expanded to include full/multi-day workshops on prescribed fire, forest thinning, wildlife and pond management, and mini-workshops during the lunch hour. Marketing and creating a comfortable atmosphere were a focus. A professionally designed graphic was created to help with workshop marketing and recognition. Interesting and comfortable locations for workshops were chosen, and when possible, forestland tours of properties owned and managed by women landowners were selected. Women land management professionals were also key program presenters. Workshop participants have come from 9 states: west from Texas, north from Michigan and Ohio and south and east from Florida and the Carolinas. Participants were asked to rate their experience with the workshops. A 75 percent increase in knowledge of forest systems and forest management techniques were reported by program participants and 90 percent were more confident in their abilities because of the program. Of those selected for post-workshop surveys, 100 percent have implemented at least one thing they learned at a ForestHER workshop on their forest.