Canopy Forest Forum

The annual Canopy Forestry Forum will be held on March 5, 2026, at UMass Amherst Conference Center. Canopy is where forest landowners, forestry professionals, and others come together to explore practical, climate-friendly land management strategies that strengthen both forests and communities.

This year’s theme is Rooted in Resilience, where you will engage in peer-to-peer learning sessions led by experienced professionals and forestry experts who share real-world insights and innovative practices. Network with landowners to promote your business, build partnerships, and discover new opportunities in a changing market. Earn continuing education credits while exploring cost-share programs that help offset challenges tied to market uncertainty. Learn strategies that 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. Also, come learn about what’s coming down the pike as climate change enables stressors to take the fast lane across the state. Mark S. Falkenberry, Department of Conservation and Recreation 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.

Registration is open through February 18, 2026. The conference sells out each year, so if you’re interested in attending, register now! The registration fee of $25 includes the full day (9 am – 4 pm) conference, lunch, and parking in the Campus Center garage. Learn more by clicking here.

Ready to sign up? Click here to register.