Rockbridge Conservation will host a two-day workshop, “Protecting Our Old-Growth Forest,” on March 13 and 14 at Grace Episcopal Church, 123 W. Washington Street in Lexington, as part of its 50th Anniversary Series.

The workshop features Josh Kelly, an old-growth forest expert with more than 20 years of experience researching and mapping remnant old-growth forests across the Southern Appalachians. Kelly holds a biology degree from UNC Asheville and has worked with the Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition, WildLaw, and for the past 15 years with MountainTrue, where he monitors logging and development issues on public lands and promotes ecological restoration.

Day 1 (March 13, 5–6:30 p.m.) will focus on defining old-growth forests, why they matter, and how GIS mapping is used to identify and protect them.

Day 2 (March 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) includes a guided field tour where participants will learn how to safely recognize old-growth characteristics and help report verified locations to the US Forest Service. Location is TBA (weather dependent).

Old-growth forests provide critical habitat, store significant carbon, and support biodiversity. This workshop offers practical, science-based training for community members who want to help protect these ecosystems.

Registration is $15, and all are invited. Register at RockbridgeConservation.org.