Did you know that two-thirds of native bees in the Northeast rely on forests for part of their lifecycle? Forests, forest edges, and open meadows are deeply interconnected and together they form the foundation of healthy pollinator habitat.

Join The Woodland Stewards Collaborative for an informative program exploring how landowners can support declining pollinator species across their land, from the forest interior to the open meadow. Whether you manage woodlands, fields, or both, you’ll come away with practical strategies and a new understanding of how your land fits into the larger ecological picture.

Our speakers will cover:

• The role of forests in pollinator health: how forest management practices like thinning, canopy gaps, and harvested wood patches create critical habitat for bees and other pollinators
• Season-long nectar sources: the shrubs, trees, and other plants that support specialist pollinators from early spring through fall
• Creating and enhancing wildflower meadows: site planning, design, and the plant species that attract bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds
• The forest edge as habitat: how ecotones connect forests and meadows to maximize biodiversity
• A landowner’s perspective: a firsthand look at one property’s multi-year meadow transformation, with real visuals and honest takeaways

Winnakee Land Trust and The Wetland Trust, hosted a webinar focused on the vital role of wetlands in supporting biodiversity, clean water, and climate resilience. We shared insights on our joint projects to monitor wildlife and enhance habitat, as well as how landowners can play a key role in protecting and enhancing wetland ecosystems.

Thank you to the New York Forest Owners Association (NYFOA) for co-sponsoring this event with us. Since 1963, NYFOA’s mission has informed management of privately owned woodlands in New York State to promote, protect, represent, and serve the interests of woodland owners.

Winnakee opened an important local forest in Hyde Park—donated to Winnakee in 2022, but not yet open to public—for a hands-on forest management workshop with landowners to learn about silviculture practices that can enhance their conservation goals.

At Robert’s Refuge, attendees learned about the regeneration challenges faced by most regional forests due to overabundant deer populations, invasives and pests and pathogens. Our Conservation Forester, Trevor Keough, demonstrated how to assess tree health and use simple data on tree vigor and quality to create a step-by-step plan for improving woodlands.

Winnakee recognizes that private landowners have a vital role to play in safeguarding our region’s landscapes and biodiversity. This program was one of many to come dedicated to empowering landowners to sustainably manage their land for our region’s future.