Ridge and Valley Conservancy proudly announces the 2025 Women and Their Woods (WaTW) Retreat, taking place September 13–14 at the Princeton-Blairstown Center in Blairstown, NJ. This weekend gathering is designed for women landowners and conservation-minded individuals seeking practical knowledge, peer support, and a deeper connection to the land.
Women and Their Woods is a vital outreach program that supports and educates women landowners about forest stewardship, a field where women are often underrepresented. By fostering confidence, community, and conservation and land stewardship skills, the program advances sustainable forest management and land conservation across the region. Women make decisions for 44 million acres of America’s family forest land, with almost 60% of woodland properties having at least one woman listed as a sole, primary, or secondary owner.
The 2025 retreat includes interactive workshops on topics like forest ecology, land preservation, and native plant landscaping. Additional activities like forest walks, mindfulness exercises, and campfire discussions create a well-rounded learning experience.
Key speakers for the 2025 retreat include Dr. Joan Maloof, author and founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network; Leslie Sauer, author and expert in native forest restoration; and Rachel Mackow, co-owner of native plant nursery Wild Ridge Plants. They will be joined by additional experts from Ridge and Valley Conservancy.
Registration includes all meals, lodging, and programming. Early bird pricing of $185 is available through July 13, with sliding scale options for those in financial need. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants do not need to own land to register.
For more information and to register, visit: www.ridgeandvalleyconservancy.org/rvc-watw-2025
About Ridge and Valley Conservancy
Ridge and Valley Conservancy is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land trust working to protect and steward the ecologically significant landscapes of northwestern New Jersey. Since its founding, RVC has permanently preserved over 5,000 acres of forests, farms, and critical wildlife habitat. Through strategic conservation, community engagement, and educational programming like Women and Their Woods, RVC empowers individuals to play an active role in caring for the land.
Images:
1. Princeton Blairstown Center, photo credit: Princeton Blairstown Center
2. Women and Their Woods attendees identify trees at the Princeton Blairstown Center 3. Women and Their Woods 2022
