Classes to teach landowners ways to utilize their forests

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Beginning Jan. 13, Purdue University will host a series of forest management classes targeted at private woodland owners.

The classes will provide management and resource information to people who own forest land and might want to use their land for timber production, recreational purposes, or to turn it into a wildlife habitat, said Lenny Farlee, Purdue Extension forestry specialist.

Each class will feature different instructors, ranging from private consulting foresters to district foresters, Farlee said.

Two Saturday field days are scheduled to give participants an opportunity to look at forest biology, ecology and forest management practices, he said.

"When the classes are over I hope the students have a new appreciation for all products and benefits that forests can provide, along with developing their own set of tools to help better manage their own forests," Farlee said.

The classes will meet from 6-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday through March 3 at the Morgan County Administration Building in Martinsville, Ind. The cost is $99, which covers all sessions. For questions and to register, contact Farlee at (765) 494-2153, lfarlee@purdue.edu .