Illinois Beginning Forest Landowner Program

Reasons for ownership among private family owners include, but are not limited to aesthetic, wildlife habitat, recreation, resource extraction for personal use or as a source of income, and to leave a legacy.

Oftentimes privately owned forests are in need of management to achieve these goals, but knowing where to start can be daunting and making the wrong decision can have long-term impacts.

There is a huge need for education and training to increase forest planning and sound forest management. To meet this need, the Beginning Forest Landowner Program was developed by  University of Illinois Extension Forestry  and Program Partners.

•  Illinois Forestry Association 
•  Illinois Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division 
•  The Nature Conservancy 
•  Shawnee Resource Conservation & Development Area 
•  River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area 
•  Southern Illinois Prescribed Burn Association 

Development and implementation of this program was funded by the  USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture .

Each year, a small cohort of no more than 25 forest landowners within the southern Illinois region, take part in a  full, year-long, in-person course . This course includes instructional classes, field-based mentorship, and community events, all designed to develop the knowledge and skill sets of beginning forest landowners in basic forest and natural resource management and management planning to allow them to actively manage their forest land.

Examples of past course curriculum can be found here:  BFLP Page  

A  virtual short course  was developed for those Illinois residents who are unable to attend the full, in-person course.

An optional field-day is offered in addition to the virtual course to gain hands-on experience.

2022 Program Participant following Site Visit

“Thanks to all that came out to look at our place. Up until now, I’ve been overwhelmed by the “fabricated” thoughts that our forest land is in really bad shape. It’s kind of funny how our minds can put us in this state and with a little input from experienced caring people, we can be brought to reality. I thought that the mass amount of coral berry (I think that’s what Chris said it was) was all invasive and taking over everything in the first two tracts. Knowing that many of the seedlings in the northern tract are ash, fear of taking out a desired species was eliminated. More practice with tree and plant ID is always a need on my part. Now I’ve got more motivation to “get after” the tasks at hand so the land doesn’t progressively get worse. I might have to postpone any projects during syrup season though. I’ve sacrificed a batch by not being able to time multitasking too well. Live and learn.”

August 19th, 2022, Emerald Ash Borer Workshop

"This was a top-notch presentation. Presenters were knowledgeable and conveyed info to all individuals very well."

October 26th, 2022, Program Participant Email

“Thanks again for all of your hard work these past months on the beginning forest landowner program. Both Ruth and I found it very useful, and we learned more than we can retain so all the printed materials as well as the recordings will be useful in the near future. This program really hit the mark and for this being the first time offered all of you did a great job in putting this together. “

February 15th, 2023, Survey Response from Participant

“It was unfortunate that I was only able to attend two of the all-day sessions. Life circumstances kept me from being there. The two sessions I attended were amazing. Well organized and full of information. I really have to commend Taryn for the work she put into this program.”