-VIP/Media Preview November 13 and Public Open House November 15 at the Holden Arboretum-

KIRTLAND, Ohio (October 30, 2025) — Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) invites media, partners, and the public to celebrate the continued growth of its Working Woods Hub—a regional initiative that helps private landowners manage, restore, and care for their forests sustainably. The celebration includes two special events at the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio:

VIP / Media Preview – Thursday, November 13 at 10:30 a.m.
An invitation-only event featuring opening remarks from Ed Moydell, President & CEO of Holden Forests & Gardens; John Kehn, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry; and Rebecah Troutman, Manager of the Working Woods Hub. Guests will enjoy light refreshments, guided tours showcasing best management practices such as sustainable timber harvest and group selection cuts, and optional behind-the-scenes tours of the Restoration Seed Bank and Working Woods Learning Forest.

Public Open House – Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m.– 3 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event invites visitors to explore the newly enhanced Working Woods Learning Forest, a 67-acre living classroom where forest management, research, and outreach come to life. Guests can discover how thoughtful, science-based practices improve forest health, enhance wildlife habitat, and support sustainable forest-based livelihoods.

The day includes:

• Guided forest tours focused on conservation, research, and forestry best practices.
• Working Woods Wares, a small shop featuring goods from the woods and for the woods.
• Interactive stations and exhibits highlighting the history and current work of the Working Woods Hub.
• New trails and interpretive signage throughout the Learning Forest.
• Forest-sourced root beer and light refreshments.

All signage materials—posts, kiosks, and structures—were sustainably harvested from HF&G property and milled by a local timber framer.

-more-

About Working Woods Learning Forest: Science in Action

The Working Woods Learning Forest is a 67-acre living classroom where forest management, research, and outreach converge. Demonstrations showcase how thoughtful management improves forest health, supports wildlife, and provides sustainable income through timber and non-timber forest products such as mushrooms and medicinal plants.

This year, new interpretive signage and trail markers were added throughout the site to help visitors understand forest practices in action. All materials—posts, kiosks, and structures—were sustainably harvested from HF&G property and milled by a local timber framer.

“Working Woods Learning Forest brings together decades of forest science, applied research, and community collaboration—and makes that knowledge accessible to landowners and the public,” said Rebecah Troutman, Manager of the Working Woods Hub. “The new signage helps visitors see how working with a forester can align their goals with what the forest needs, creating management plans that support biodiversity, healthy trees, and long-term benefits for people and the planet.”

By the Numbers: Working Woods Hub Impact (2024–2025)

In its first year as a regional hub, Working Woods has achieved measurable success:

• 2 miles of new or improved trails and multiple new demonstration sites added.
• Wayfinding signs and interpretive panels installed throughout the forest.
• All structures built from Holden-harvested wood, crafted by a local timber framer.
• 22 educational programs (19 in-person, 3 webinars) reaching 1,100+ participants.
• Working Woods e-Newsletter launched, connecting 450+ subscribers with resources.
• Consulting Forestry Program pilot:
  • 27 site visits with private landowners.
  • 7 forest management plans completed, covering 178 acres.
  • 6 more landowners under contract, adding 193 protected acres soon.
• Regional Seed Bank: Over 20,000 seeds from 30+ native species collected to support reforestation.

Connecting Landowners and Science Through the Working Woods Hub

Beyond its on-site demonstrations, the Working Woods Hub is a regional network of educators, scientists, and natural resource professionals helping landowners sustainably manage the 85% of Ohio forests that are privately owned.

The Hub’s Holden Arboretum Consulting Forestry service offers customized forest management plans, guidance on cost-share and tax incentive programs, and enrollment assistance in emerging carbon markets. Proceeds directly support HF&G’s mission to enhance forest health and biodiversity across Northeast Ohio.

The Restoration Seed Bank, another key component of the Hub, collects and distributes locally adapted seeds to strengthen regional reforestation and ensure the availability of native plant material.

-more-

“Managing forests for health and resilience has been part of Holden Arboretum’s work for over 90 years,” said Ed Moydell, President & CEO of Holden Forests & Gardens. “Working Woods demonstrates how we can share that expertise with the community—equipping landowners with the tools, resources, and confidence to care for their forests.”

Additional Weekend Activities on November 15 and 16

Visitors can also enjoy the Winter Village Market on November 15 and 16 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Corning Visitor Center, featuring local artisans, seasonal treats, and festive holiday cheer. Admission to the market is included with entry to the Holden Arboretum.

For more information about the Working Woods Hub, Consulting Forestry services, or upcoming programs, visit holdenfg.org.

About the Holden Arboretum and Holden Forests & Gardens

The Holden Arboretum, located east of Cleveland in Kirtland, Ohio, spans forests, gardens, lakes, and meadows across Lake and Geauga Counties. The Arboretum is part of Holden Forests & Gardens, along with the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland’s University Circle. HF&G advances the connections between people and plants through urban greening and forestry initiatives, scientific research, and educational programs. Learn more at holdenfg.org.

# # #

Media may download images and other assets from

the Working Woods Media Kit.

To access, clickhere.