Campus Center Way
Amherst
MA
Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation will hold the 2026 Canopy Forestry Forum at the UMass Amherst Conference Center on March 5th from 9 am to 4 pm.
This year’s theme is Rooted in Resilience, where participants will engage in peer-to-peer learning sessions led by experienced professionals and forestry experts who share real-world insights and innovative practices. Participants can network with landowners to promote your business, build partnerships, and discover new opportunities in a changing market. Professionals will earn continuing education credits while exploring cost-share programs that help offset challenges tied to market uncertainty. Participants can also learn strategies to strengthen resiliency and build market stability and see how sustainable forestry continues to support local economies, products, and jobs.
The plenary opens with The Nature Conservancy’s Andy Finton discussing the past, present and future of MA forests followed by Keynote Speaker David King, retired Wildlife Biologist with the US Forest Service Northern Research Station, who will share insights and lessons learned from more than 30 years of research and personal experience on the connection between biodiversity and forest management.
Mark S. Falkenberry from DCR will explore emerging forest health threats racing across Massachusetts from insects to fungi. Learn how to spot them early, understand their impacts, and prepare management strategies to protect your woods before it’s too late.
For a list of workshops included in this year’s Forum, go to Canopy | Mass.gov
Cost to attend this year’s Forum is $25 for those registered by February 18th.
To register for the Forum, go to Attendee Information – Canopy 2026: Rooted in Resilience – Iris Registration