Another Great Continuing Education Opportunity!

 

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as a Virginia Master Naturalist. 

The American Chestnut Foundation Learning Box Training
Friday, January 27, 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Crozet Library, 1:00-4:00 pm

This workshop by The American Chestnut Foundation will provide training to Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers on using educational materials from TACF for public outreach and educational programs.

Register online no later than January 13, 2017.  Registration is limited to 25 people.

Questions?   Contact Tom Saielli, Mid-Atlantic Regional Science Coordinator for The American Chestnut Foundation.



Workshop agenda: 
  • Welcome and Introductions
     
  • Overview of American chestnut and The American Chestnut Foundation
    • This 20 minute presentation will cover the historical importance of the American chestnut, its fall from prominence; TACF's breeding efforts and status, and highlight projects/opportunities within the state and partnership with Virginia Master Naturalists. 
       
  • Learning Box Activities

Attendees will split into small groups and participate in several learning box activities. 
    • Chestnut ecology and history, chestnut range and usefulness, and a comparison with other hardwood species
    • Chestnut blight, history and ecology, spread of the pathogen, pathogenicity, etc.
    • The TACF genetic breeding program in a nutshell
    • Ways to get involved! Outreach, teaching with the learning box, hosting an event, find a tree
  • Questions and Answers

Presenter:
Tom Saielli oversees the Foundation's Mid-Atlantic region that includes the TACF state chapters of KY, MD, VA, and WV. He received his MS in Forest Sciences from the University of Vermont in Burlington after earning his BS in Biology and Environmental Science at the University of Colorado in 2007. Tom has been with TACF since he began as an intern in 2008 in Vermont, he then served as a TACF Science Coordinator in the southern region for almost five years before moving to Charlottesville to take over activities in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Michelle Prysby at (434-872-4571/TDD*) during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event.

*TDD number is (800) 828-1120.
 
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