The purpose of the program is to train volunteers in the principles of forest stewardship and how sound, science-based forest management practices can result in healthier, more resilient forests, more diverse, healthier and abundant wildlife, help improve and protect water resources, and enhance recreational opportunities as well as providing and improving and enhancing many other benefits of the forest. In exchange, volunteers share what they learn with other forest landowners and interested groups and individuals throughout the State. Please explore this website to learn more about the New Jersey Woodland Stewards Program, and then decide if you are interested in joining this select group of dedicated volunteers.

Each year a select group of individuals is chosen from an applicant pool to participate in a three-and-one-half-day workshop that emphasizes "education through demonstration". The 2024 training workshop was held from September 19-22, 2024 and the date for the 2025 workshop will be announced on the New Jersey Forestry Association's website, www.njforestry.org .  Through this intensive workshop, you will learn about the ecology and management of New Jersey's forests and wildlife, sources of professional assistance to help them, and how they can put this information to work in their communities. Covered topics include principles of stewardship, silviculture, growing forest trees, forest and wildlife ecology and management, tree identification and measurement, legal issues and outreach strategies. Field sessions are also scheduled to see examples of forest management practices and to observe how the concepts discussed in the classroom portions of the seminar are applied "on the ground."
To view a sample of the registration announcement for the 2024 workshop, please click HERE.