NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Registration is now open for the New Jersey Forestry Association’s 51st Annual Meeting, “The Courage to Care: Elevating the Art of Forest Stewardship.” It will take place March 21, 2026, 8:30am – 4pm, at Cook Campus Center, Rutger’s University, 59 Biel Road New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Seating is limited, so registering early is suggested.

Keynote Speaker: Paul Catanzaro – one of the most recognized voices of ecological forestry – will be our keynote speaker. Paul is a Professor of Forest Ecology and Conservation at the University of Massachusetts, serves as the State Extension Forester and is co-Director of the Family Forest Research Center, a partnership of UMass and the USDA Forest Service. For more than 25 years, Paul has studied family forest owners to understand their goals and challenges, turning this knowledge into practical and effective landowner resources. Paul’s new book (co-authored with Anthony D’Amato) is Tending Your Forest, A Guide to Ecological Forest Stewardship in the Eastern and Central United States.

In addition, we will have presentations by leading forest professionals, officials, scientists and landowners, bringing us to the real-world intersection of forests, stewardship, conservation, woodland ownership, wildlife (deer), society, politics, regulation, legislation and ethics. Representatives of numerous governmental and conservation organizations will have displays and representatives to speak with you. We will also hold our annual business meeting, election of directors, announce this year’s winner of the Sal Vuocolo Award, and bring you up-to-date on changes to farmland assessment, rules, regulations and laws that impact forest ownership.

Click HERE for a preliminary agenda.

You should attend this meeting if you are a forest landowner, farmer, forest professional, legislator, elected official, member of an environmental commission, tax assessor, government official, involved in urban and community forestry, engaged in the conservation community, and are interested in learning more about forests and how to tend to them. This meeting is focused on practical takeaways – so you will leave with a greater understanding and enthusiasm, no matter what your role in our ecosystem.

Registration fees include a light breakfast and full buffet lunch. 2026 NJFA Members may register at a discounted rate. Our directors have donated door prizes and a 50/50 Cash Raffle will be conducted to support the NJFA.

Click HERE to register online.

Click HERE to download a printable, mail-in-with-check form.

—New Jersey Forestry Association