University Extension Brings National Women’s Woodlands Program To Ste. Genevieve Next Week

The University of Missouri Extension will bring the national Women Owning Woodland (WOW) program to Missouri from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, in Meeting Room A of the Progress Sports Complex at the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center.

 Women woodlands owners will network with others at the meeting. Sarah Havens, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in natural resources will seek input on workshops to help women manage woodlands.

A 2017 study showed that the number of women owners of woodlands doubled from 2006 to 2013.

“Women make decisions for more than 44 million acres of family forestland nationwide,” Havens said.

Despite this, recent studies show that women often do not make key decisions about their land.

 “Studies show that women see their land for its beauty, habitat, nature refuge and potential for income but they are significantly less likely to participate in management activities,” Havens said.

Too often, women landowners feel intimidated by the idea of managing their woods without the knowledge. This workshop offers networking opportunities and begins the process of learning about woodlands, Havens says.

“Knowledge is power,” Havens said. “With knowledge gained through WOW programs, women will feel more empowered to make decisions and be involved in the forest and wildlife management of their property.”

To learn more, email havenss@missouri.edu or call 573-458-6252. Register online at https://extension2.missouri.edu/events/women-owning-woodland-introduction-to-wow or contact the Extension office in Ste. Genevieve at 573-883-3548.

(Information in a release from the University of Missouri Extension.)