2009 symposium

See also: Detailed agenda, Planning your trip, and Who's coming?

Overview: In late April 2009, about 50 people will gather in Minnesota for a working session on building learning networks around forestry and natural resources issues. This will be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and build your organization’s toolkit.

Who will be there: This is an invitation-only event. Our invitation list includes large and small woodland owner associations, volunteer programs, landowner co-operatives, and formal and informal affinity groups from around the US, Canada, and Finland. See the confirmed list here.

What to expect at the symposium: This will be a working meeting. Everybody present is expected to actively participate by asking questions, sharing ideas, challenging thinking, and identifying needs for research and trial. The symposium will include a mix of large- and small-group presentations and discussions.

We'll work to develop the following:
1. A list of practical, effective peer-to-peer learning ideas and tips generated by network organizers and participants.
2. A broadly supported list of key research and knowledge gaps and initial plans to address them.
3. A clearer understanding of opportunities and challenges for building community-based capacity for peer-to-peer learning around natural resource issues.

Time and place: The symposium will be at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, just outside Minneapolis. We’ll begin late afternoon Tuesday, April 28 and wrap up at noon Thursday, April 30, 2009. Lodging will be at a nearby hotel and transportation will be provided. (Click here for more info on planning your trip.)

Funders and organizers: This event is part of a research and outreach collaboration called Woodland Owner Networks, or WON. The WON project is based at the University of Minnesota and funded by the Cooperative Forestry and Northeastern Area units of the United States Forest Service. Learn more at the project website.

See also: Detailed agenda, Planning your trip, and Who's coming?