National Forest WeekSeptember 20-26, 2026
Forest Pathways: Innovation and Sustainability
The sustainable future of Canada’s forests is shaped by science and innovation. From advanced monitoring technologies to evolving management practices, innovation-driven forestry balances ecological integrity with economic opportunity. By embracing science, innovation and diverse global perspectives, we support resilient forests that will provide environmental, social, and economic benefits in a changing world.
Learn more at https://www.cif-ifc.org/what-we-do/national-forest-week/participate/
The Ontario Woodlot Association is proud to be a 2026 National Forest Week sponsor!
Baapaagimaak
By Hanna Sewell, Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and Founder, Wiiminodoodaadizo Consulting
This presentation will explore the relationship between Anishinaabeg and baapaagimaak (black ash), highlighting its cultural significance and traditional uses. Hanna will share perspectives on the importance of protecting black ash and the knowledge, practices, and relationships that continue to surround this culturally important species.
Register here.
As the impacts of climate change intensify, what role can trees play in creating a healthier, more resilient future? In this public lecture, renowned British pioneers in tree planting and sustainability, Jo Bradwell and Geraint Richards, will explore how forests, urban forestry, and tree planting can help shape the world of tomorrow.
Drawing on extensive experience in forestry, conservation, and landscape management, Bradwell and Richards will discuss both the opportunities and challenges facing trees today. From Bradwell's journey from physician to forester to Richards' work managing trees and forests across Britain, the speakers will offer valuable insights into the stewardship of forests and landscapes for the future.
Speaker Bios
Professor Arthur (Jo) Bradwell MBChB, DSc, FRCPath, FRCP, FICFor (Hon)
Dr. Bradwell is owner and director of Norbury Park and a Forestry Commission Commissioner. He played a key role in establishing the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), increasing woodland cover, and transforming farmland management through regenerative grazing practices. He received both the Royal Forestry Society's Sylva Trophy and the Peter Savill Award in 2018. Before entering forestry, he practiced medicine for 30 years.
Geraint Richards MVO OBE, FICFor
Mr. Richards is Head Forester to His Majesty The King. For nearly 30 years, he was responsible for managing the trees, woodlands, and forests of the Duchy of Cornwall and is now involved with the Duchy of Lancaster and other estates associated with the Crown. He was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in 2017 and received the Royal Forestry Society Gold Medal in 2019 for distinguished services to forestry. Richards is also actively involved in numerous tree-related organizations and initiatives, including the Canadian Institute of Forestry.
Register here
FALL FIELD DAY
Tentatively set for Saturday September 26 (confirmations will be sent out in August).
Ruth Henderson has offered her property in Oro-Medonte as a possible site to visit. She and her partner have been actively managing their property and can share some experiences and insights.
Also (tentatively) will be a demonstration about bio-char production. This is a newer method that is gaining popularity amongst woodlot managers as brush and limbs too small for firewood can be converted to “black gold” as charcoal fertilizer.
Register for the 2026 CIF-IFC National Conference and 118th Annual General Meeting (AGM) taking place from September 27-29, 2026, at the Edmonton Convention Centre, located in Edmonton, Alberta!
Hosted in collaboration with the CIF-IFC Rocky Mountain Section, this year’s Conference is guided by the theme “Leading from Where We Are for a Brighter Future,” and recognizes that leadership exists at every level, whether in the field, the classroom, the lab, the boardroom, or the community. The Conference is designed to meet participants where they are today, while helping them grow toward what’s next.
Through in-conference tours, place-based learning opportunities, student and early-career programming, and sessions focused on emerging technologies and innovation, #2026CIF creates space for learning that is grounded in both practice and place.
This year’s Conference takes place in a region shaped by Indigenous Peoples whose knowledge, stewardship, and deep connection to the land span thousands of years. This setting provides an opportunity to support meaningful dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, reflecting #2026CIF’s commitment to collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and respectful engagement.
Throughout the Conference, there will also be a variety of social events and networking opportunities, including the National Awards Ceremony, Student Quiz Bowl, Poster Symposium, evening social event, and a Silent Auction to benefit Forests without Borders.
The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALHB) training session is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools required to detect ALHB in the field.
The format of the training will be a short presentation and discussion followed by a review of ALHB signs and symptoms simulated on trees in the park. The session will provide participants with an overview of ALHB biology, signs and symptoms of attack, surveillance methods for this pest and its’ background in Canada. The workshop will be a 1-hour lecture inside with 1 hour practical outside.
The session will take place at an ALHB simulation site, where artificially generated signs of ALHB have been placed on host trees. This will provide participants an opportunity to conduct a mock survey at the ALHB simulation site, to establish their search image for this pest and gain familiarity of the signs of ALHB if encountered in the field.
Please dress appropriately as some portions will be outside.
This workshop is brought to you by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Regional Forest Health Network.
Certified Arborists will earn 2 CEU's for attending the workshop
Space is limited so please register no later than October 16, 2026 to Amanda Cybulski amanda.cybulski@ottawa.ca
Registered participants are to meet at the Ron Kolbus Centre: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wQcBsNhN6ygDBCHW7
Mark Your Calendars for the upcoming Ontario Forest Health Review.
This annual event brings together forest resource managers, foresters, ecologists, conservation authorities, pest management companies, academics, municipalities, and others interested in forest resource management.
Covering important topics about the current state of Ontario's forests, the event highlights the latest information on forest health conditions, forest invasive pests, current and upcoming forest pest management programs, and recent advancements in research.
The Ontario Forest Health Review returns this year to celebrate its 50th year through partnership with Natural Resources Canada, Ministry of Natural Resources, Invasive Species Centre, and Forests Canada.
To celebrate the Forest Health Review’s 50th anniversary, we’ve put together a special two-day agenda.
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 - Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Activities and Locations
Tuesday, October 27
11:45am - 4:30pm - Optional Field Tour*
Location: Simcoe County Forest. Details will be provided once registered.
Description: The field tour will cover the following topics: Lallemand Injector demonstration; Prescribed burn and restoration; Oak Wilt Monitoring & Response; Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Stand Resilience: Silviculture, Pesticides, and Monitoring ; Ice Storm Damage & Response; Forest Health Monitoring Program Field Maps for Ice Storm Damage**
6:00 pm Start time- Social event (optional). Trivia included.
Location: Barrie, ON. Details will be provided after registration.
Limited appetizers provided; meals and beverages are the attendee’s responsibility
Wednesday, October 28
9:00 - 5:30pm - Forest Health Review presentations & celebration
Description: Presentation topics include: MNR Major Forest Disturbances; CFIA Forest Health Projects; MNR Forest Health Research Update; Panel Discussion; Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment; CFS Pest Program; Recognition of 50th Forest Health Review and Closing Remarks & Networking and Grazing Table**
*Please note participation in the field tour is reserved for those also attending Wednesday’s meeting. There isn’t an option to attend the field tour only.
** The itinerary/agenda topics are subject to change. The planning committee is working on finalizing details. Any updates will be posted here, on this webpage.
Registration cost: Free. There is a capacity of 150 for the event. A wait list will be in effect once capacity is reached.
Read more here.
WHITE PINE AWARD
Mark your calendars for the evening of Thursday November 12th to attend the annual White Pine Award presentation. Please submit nominations to any Huronia Board member! More info to come.
Ontario Woodlot Association
PO Box 1501 Station Main
North Bay, Ontario
P1B 8K6
Phone: 613-713-1525 Email: info@ontariowoodlot.com
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