Now Accepting Applications to Become a Cornell Master Forest Owner Volunteer

UPSTATE, NEW YORK — The Cornell Master Forest Owner (MFO) program is now accepting applications to become a volunteer MFO. Applications must be submitted by March 1st to be considered.

Cornell Master Forest Owners (MFO) are woodland owners who have enhanced their knowledge with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) to become volunteers in their communities. MFOs make a difference by supporting informed decision making while visiting woodland owners on-site to share resources based on their knowledge and experiences. Peer-to-peer visits encourage landowners to engage in woodland activities and work towards achieving goals and improving forest management.

The online training consists of weekly zoom sessions every Tuesday evening, March 17 through April 28 from 6:30pm -7:30pm. Participants will have access to online coursework to view at their own pace, including educational resources available through CCE and Cornell University’s Forest Connect program. Participants will learn to merge skills with resources to provide other woodland owners with encouragement through conversation while directing them towards vital resources for managing woodlands. This training is open for new volunteers and previously trained volunteers seeking a refresher. 

The cost is $35/person, $50/couple for new volunteers, and $18/person, $25/couple for returning volunteers. Applications can be found on our website, CornellMFO.info. 

In addition, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene County will host a FREE Zoom info-session on Thursday, February 19, from 6–7pm online for those who would like to learn more.

For more information on the MFO program and training application visit CornellMFO.info

For more information on the free MFO info-session, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/master-forest-owner-become-a-volunteer-zoom-info-session-tickets-1978894933015?aff=oddtdtcreator 

For more information on Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, visit our website at CceColumbiaGreene.org.