MU Extension Brings National Woodlands Program To Missouri
STE. GENEVIEVE, MO.
University of Missouri Extension will bring the national Women Owning Woodland (WOW) program to Missouri 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, in Meeting Room A of the Ste. Genevieve Community Center.
“Women make decisions for more than 44 million acres of family forestland nationwide,” says Sarah Havens, MU Extension field specialist in natural resources. A 2017 study show that the number of women owners of woodlands doubled from 2006 to 2013. Despite this, Havens says, 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,” she says. Women landowners often feel intimidated by the idea of managing their woods.
Women woodlands owners can network with others at the meeting. Havens will seek input on workshops to help them manage woodlands.
“Knowledge is power,” Havens says. “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, contact Havens at havenss@missouri.edu or 573-458-6252. Register online at
extension2.missouri.edu/events/women-owning-woodland-introduction-to-wow or contact MU Extension in Ste. Genevieve County at 573-883-3548. ∆