OpenLandsWorkshop.2013.11.01


 * Stewardship Between the Trees **

A Workshop on Managing Fields, Meadows, Prairies, Early Successional Habitat, & Other Open Areas
@http://wakenature.wordpress.com/2013/11/03/wakenature-workshop-provides-perspectives-on-prairies-and-open-lands/
 * NEWS ARTICLE on workshop …**

The Cottage, Anderson Point Park, Raleigh, NC
44 people registered; 37 attended
 * REGISTRATION IS CLOSED **


 * THERE IS NO FEE FOR THIS WORKSHOP**


 * BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH ; DRINKS PROVIDED**


 * WE ARE WORKING ON CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS for ...**
 * International Society of Arboriculture - approved 2013 Oct 14 - there will be a sign-up sheet
 * NC Board of Landscape Architects - in process - there will be a sign-up sheet [ Nobody signed for this one ]
 * NC Environmental Education - approved 2013 Oct 15 - we will have copies of Form B


 * WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION**

Our Piedmont parks and protected areas are home to small and large swaths of "open" lands. Many of these lands are remnants of old fields and pastures; others are kept open through natural processes; and some have been created to attract specific wildlife, establish scenic vistas, or provide open play areas.

These areas play a large role in the health of the overall landscape, and through management can provide important habitat for native plants and animals.

This workshop is focused on providing parks and land managers with objectives and strategies for managing these open areas. We will cover “what” these habitat communities entail, “why” they are important components of the Piedmont landscape, and “how” land managers can incorporate various techniques to establish and manage these habitats.

Speakers will include Michael Schafale of the NC Natural Heritage Program, Chris Matthews of Mecklenburg County Parks, Jeff Marcus of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and Jimmy Dodson of the NC Division of Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources Program. In addition, participants will have an opportunity to share their successes and lessons learned from managing these habitats and explore local examples.


 * AGENDA**

**8:00 Optional birding and coffee -** **led by John Connors and Melissa Salter **
 * arrive at 7:30 am for optional birding walk and tour of Anderson Point early successional habitat,


 * 9:00 Introductions **
 * Quick introduction to WakeNature
 * Round the room - name and one sentence about one thing you'd like to get out of the workshop

**9:15 What are these open areas?** **Classifying Early Successional Habitats - Michael Schafale, NC Natural Heritage Program,**
 * What are the types and characteristics of natural and disturbed early successional habitats in the Piedmont?
 * What are the processes involved in creating and maintaining these habitats?
 * What types of early successional habitat occur at Anderson Point?

**10:00 Why Do We Manage Open Areas? - Chris Matthews, Mecklenburg County Parks**
 * The Mecklenburg County Experience, MESH (Managing Early Successional Habitat) units


 * 10:45 Break **

**11:00 How do we manage these areas? – Jimmy Dodson, North Carolina Division of Parks & Recreation**
 * Natural Resources Program
 * Establishment and management options


 * 11:45 Lunch and small group discussion - Anderson Point Tour **
 * Bring your own lunch
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Drinks provided
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Special presentation
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One question to talk about during lunch

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**12:45 Importance of Open Areas and Early Successional Habitat for Wildlife - Jeff Marcus, NC Wildlife Resources Commission**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What types of species depend on these areas for habitat?
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What are the characteristics of these habitats important for attaching wildlife: size, structure, and vegetation

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**1:15 Panel Discussion - Questions and Answers - all presenters**
 * Jimmy Dodson, Jeff Marcus, Chris Matthews, Mike Schafale, Walt Tysinger
 * Moderated by Leigh Ann Hammerbacher, Triangle Land Conservancy


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2:00 Wrap Up **


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2:30 Depart for Optional Site Visit **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Triangle Land Conservancy's Temple Flat Rock, led by Walt Tysinger, TLC's Land Manager
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Car pool or drive yourself