50th Anniversary Fall Forestry and Wildlife Field Tours - Montgomery County

Home to Virginia Tech, the third largest University in Virginia, Montgomery County is still a predominantly rural area. In fact, almost 90% of the county is either forest (68 %) or farm (21%) land. On this tour we'll see where trees are grown, how they are made into useful products, and what goes into developing and testing wood products.

Stop 1: Turman Lumber Company. This family-owned sawmill has been operating for almost 50 years. The family also owns and manages 400,000 acres of local forests. We'll watch as trees are sawn into lumber.

Stop 2: Virginia Tech's Brooks Forest Products Center. Here we'll learn about state-of-the-art technology being used to test packaging systems and materials. From improving the durability of pallets, enhancing the sustainability of cold chain packaging systems, to developing new building materials, the Brooks Center is conducting world-class applied research on wood products.

Lunch: Meadowbrook Community Center. Catered pasta bar from Pumpernickel Pickle.

Stop 3: Sowder Tree Farm. On this 57-acre Tree Farm we'll learn about managing for Appalachian hardwoods, Eastern white pine, and all the wildlife that live there. We'll also learn about research and outreach projects with Virginia Tech.

Registration includes a light breakfast, lunch, refreshments, transportation, and special 50th anniversary swag!

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3812414-2?pid=2874

Category: Attractions | Walking and Guided Tours