Join St. John’s University on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Saint John's University's Peter Engel Science Center for the Hardwood Hills Conference (formerly the Avon Hills Conference). This event offers a diverse array of sessions tailored for woodland stewards, including:

• Keynote Presentations:

  • The Power of Conservation Easements by Kris Larson, CEO of the Minnesota Land Trust, discussing successful easement stories and new funding opportunities for landowners in Minnesota's Hardwood Hills region.

  • The Route Less Paddled by Zach Fritz, sharing his 106-day, 4,400-kilometer paddling journey from Minnesota to the Arctic Ocean, highlighting the adventure and challenges of traversing some of North America's most remote areas.

• Breakout Sessions:

  • Climate-ready woodland resources.

  • Oak health management.

  • Spring woodland wildflower identification.

  • Q&A on forest stewardship.

  • Historical insights into the local landscape.

Registration includes access to all presentations, materials, the exhibit hall, lunch, and refreshments. Discounts are available for members of organizations such as Outdoor U, MN Forestry Association, MN Women's Woodland Network, and MN State Horticultural Society. To secure your spot, please register online by Monday, January 20.

$35 – Members (see list of organizations below)

$45 – Nonmembers

$15 – Students

Discount for Members of: Outdoor U, MN Forestry Association, MN Women’s Woodland Network, MN State Horticultural Society

For more details and to register, visit the Hardwood Hills Conference page.

This conference is an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of woodland stewardship and connect with fellow enthusiasts.