Properly managing woodlands can yield more than just timber products. Under a well-managed forest canopy, an abundance of specialty forest crops and products are achievable. To help woodland owners and natural resources professionals discover alternative income sources, the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Cooperative Extension Service, along with Rural Action Inc., are hosting a one-day workshop on March 9.

Managing Woodlands for Specialty Forest Products, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, at the UK College of Agriculture's Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability in Jackson, is free and open to the public. The agenda includes:

• "The Woodland Resource: Managing for Multiple Benefits" presented by Billy Thomas, UK extension forester
• "Growing American Ginseng and Goldenseal in an Appalachian Hardwood Forest" and "Ramps: Cultivation for Conservation and Profit" presented by Tanner Filyaw, non-timber forest products educator with the Rural Action Forestry Program in Southeast Ohio
• "Producing and Marketing Gourmet Woodland Mushrooms" and "Beekeeping 101: Managing Habitats for Bee Forage and Honey Production" presented by Deborah Hill, UK forestry extension professor
• "Pawpaw: The Native Fruit of the Appalachian Forest" presented by Kirk Pomper, UK adjunct associate professor of horticulture

"It can surprise people to find that healthy, well-managed woodlands can be sources for some high-income generating products," said Thomas. "And it doesn't have to be an either/or situation-timber or non-timber products. We hope to introduce woodland owners to the abundance that could be right outside their backdoors."

Continuing education units will be available for members of the Society of American Foresters. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

Registration is required by March 7. To RSVP, contact either Jackie Allen at 606-666-2438, ext. 285 or Filyaw at 740-767-4938.