Farm & Forest Institute Certificate Program
The Practical Farm Woodland Management Certificate is a 6-course curriculum that provides a foundation in:
safe, low-impact management of small- to mid-size woodlands using a variety of tools.
the agrarian thought, history, and arts of following nature's standard.
1 Agrarian Voices Study (5-6 week course, hybrid format)
1 Practical Farm Woodland Skills (2-3 day course, in person)
2 Woodland Skills Workshops (2 day workshops, in person, typically Chainsaw Skills I & II)
2 Woodland Special Workshops (1-2 day workshops, in person, your choice of topic)
Who is this designed for?
Anyone who wants to:
conduct a woodland inventory and health assessment
apply low-impact techniques to manage for timber, habitat, and water quality
use a variety of tools for tree felling, extraction, and processing
add value to wood products and diversify farm finances
understand their place and part in a lineage of land-conserving people
earn continuing education recognition or build a résumé
People of diverse backgrounds and vocations take Farm and Forest Institute woodland courses. Many are in fields directly related to the woods, such as farmers, land owners and land managers, foresters and forest technicians, woodworkers, agriculture professionals, contractors, draft animal teamsters, park service technicians, and conservation workers.
It is common to find alongside them teachers, students, gardeners, home-makers, artists, writers, factory workers, public servants, attorneys, accountants, or health care workers. The skills can be used for a range of purposes in urban, rural, and suburban communities alike.
Because of the unique, hands-on nature of the workshop sessions, in-person participation is a hallmark of the woodland courses. So the majority of people who enroll are from Kentucky and surrounding states. Still, people from every major region in the United States, as well as some Canadian provinces, join us for classes.
What is the time frame?
Certificate-seekers complete the requirements at their own pace. Folks who have already taken multiple FFI woodland classes may meet the standards in a season. Others should be able to complete the certificate as short as a year.
Why a Certificate?
Health
Following Wendell Berry's lead, The Berry Center launched its education program in 2012 because we saw the need for hands-on, thought-provoking education and training that connects the health of the land and the people.
Cohesion
The farm woodland management certificate provides a cohesive structure that pieces together foundational courses in healthy forest management with the agrarian thought underpinning it.
Benefits
Certificate earners qualify for discounts on FFI courses as well as first year membership to The Berry Center, which includes a discount at The Bookstore of The Berry Center.
Recognition
The certificate also allows us to formally recognize people’s dedication to studying and practicing land and community stewardship skills. Some people may use an FFI certificate for résumé-building, professional development, or evidence of continuing education. Others may simply appreciate the badge of honor the certificate symbolizes.
Farm & Forest Institute Certificates
The woodland focus is the first certificate program on the Farm & Forest Institute docket. We will offer certificates in other areas as we continue to add classes and workshops to the schedule. The second certificate in the works is geared toward agrarian studies. More details coming soon!
If you would like to talk more about the Practical Farm Woodland Management Certificate, or you know you are ready to get started, contact Shannon Boyd, FFI Program Coordinator using this form. She will respond in short order and ensure your questions are answered so you have what you need to pursue an FFI Certificate.