WWOA Woodland Mentor Program

 

Do You Want to Learn More About Your Woodlands?
Let WWOA Show You the Way!

You can now apply for the 2023-24 program!

Do you feel like you could get more out of your WWOA membership? Do you want time to talk and engage with fellow WWOA members during the winter? Join our Woodland Mentor Program to learn and connect with other WWOA members from the comfort of your home! Whether you are new to WWOA or are a life member, this is for you. We are so excited to get you started and share with you this special member-only program. Read on to learn more about the Woodland Mentor Program, or scroll further down to learn how to participate.

WWOA Woodland Mentor Program

This program is designed to help new members learn more about the benefits of WWOA, help find options for their woodlands, share information on caring for their land, and inform them of services and programs available to woodland owners. New members will be paired up with an existing WWOA member to help achieve the goals of the program and guide them through important landowner topics. Pairs are encouraged to meet in person and property visits are encouraged to share what woodland practices have been used and to share hands-on learning experiences.

 

Program goals include:

  • Help new members feel welcome within WWOA.
  • Ensure that new members feel comfortable engaging in the WWOA network and becoming active at the chapter level.
  • Engage new members in learning about the variety of resources available to assist them in caring for their woods.
  • Encourage new members to consider their long-term goals and objectives for their woodlands.

Still unsure if this program is right for you? Read our FAQ to learn more or reach out to our volunteer coordinator, Häven Epstein, with any unanswered questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Involved 6 Kay-Searfoss-768×576

Woodland Mentor Program 2021-22 participants Kay Searfoss (Mentor) and Sarah Kubesh (Aspen) had the opportunity to walk Kay and Geary Searfoss’s woodland in Sawyer County at the closure of the 2021-22 program year. Pictured is Kay Searfoss, Sarah Kubesh, and Sarah’s husband Rod standing near a vernal pond on the Searfoss woodland.

Apply for the 2023-24 program now!

Interest forms are due by October 15, 2023!

 

Members encouraged to participate- Applying to be an Aspen has never been easier!

Please fill out the new online Woodland Mentor Program Interest form so we can best match you with a knowledgeable and experienced WWOA Mentor. Get started on your WWOA journey, today!

New Member Interest Form Online

 

Are you a natural teacher? Share your woodland experience as a Mentor! 

Help another WWOA member learn about their woods. Volunteer mentors will be provided training on the WWOA organization, goals of the mentor program, how to be a good listener, and program parameters. Mentors are encouraged to have a range of experience and knowledge about sustainable woodland management using the WWOA module topics outlined below.

If this sounds like you, fill out our new online interest form below!

Mentor Interest Form Online

 

 

If you prefer to fill out the document versions (below) of these forms, feel free to fill it out, save it, and send it to volunteer.wwoa@gmail.com. 

You may also print it out and send it to:

Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association
PO Box 285
Stevens Point, WI 54481

New Member Interest Form – Word Document

What will you be learning about?

WWOA has created 10 landowner topics for mentors and new members to have discussions about and for the new member to learn a little about each topic. Each module will be presented by mentors in a matter of communication that is preferred by the new member and mentor.  Below are the topics of each of the 10 modules:

  1. What is WWOA?
  2. Safety in the Woods
  3. Sources of Professional Advice and Financial Assistance
  4. Assessing your Woodland
  5. Setting Realistic Goals/Objectives and Establishing a Management Plan
  6. Other Forest Benefits
  7. Tax consequences of owning, operating and transferring woodlands.
  8. Timber Stand Improvement, Harvesting and Afforestation/Regeneration of Forests
  9. Forest Health
  10. Continuing Your Legacy

Woodland Mentor Program Start and Previous Years

WWOA receives 2020 grant funding

WWOA is proud to have been awarded a grant from the UW Center for Cooperatives in 2020. We were able to increase the number WWOA Forestry Leader scholarships for 2020 – 2021.  Traditionally we offered one per academic year, but with the grant we are able to offer TWO additional scholarships.
We were also able to purchase woodland books and publications for all participants for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 programs. These are sent out as welcome and graduation packages. A helpful timber tax workshop was also offered to participants in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Read more about the first year of the program in the Wisconsin Woodlands summer 2021 article.

Read more about the second year of the program in the Wisconsin Woodlands summer 2022 article.

Read more about the third year of the program – article coming soon!