Retreat to Focus on Agritourism Opportunities

PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN, Ark. — Farmers, landowners, birding enthusiasts and community development specialists interested in learning how their private lands can benefit from agritourism are invited to attend a three-day retreat at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Feb. 19-21, 2010.

“The Nature of Agritourism: Exploring Nature Tourism and Birding as a Business” workshop is designed to inform and educate participants about the opportunities agritourism presents for economic and community development, sustainable agriculture, wildlife habitat management practices, and youth education. By bringing together experts on topics ranging from bird identification and nature interpretation to marketing and legal issues, landowners can determine if a nature tourism enterprise is a good fit for their properties.

The full workshop registration is $150, which includes lodging at the Rockefeller Institute’s Lodge and Conference Center on Friday and Saturday nights, all meals, and workshop materials. Registration options for commuters and one-day attendees are also available. Register now. On-site registration will be available, but to guarantee meals and overnight lodging, the registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The Nature of Agritourism workshop is a collaborative effort between the Rockefeller Institute and the following organizations:

Winthrop Rockefeller Institute of the University of Arkansas System is an educational institute and conference center. Committed to acting as a catalyst, its vision involves combining the legacy and ideas of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller with the resources and expertise of the state’s largest university system. Its mission is to develop diverse programs that nurture ideas, policies and activities to make life better in Arkansas.

The Rockefeller Institute accomplishes its mission by offering a variety of workshops, seminars, public lectures, conferences and special events. Program areas include agriculture and environment, arts and humanities, economic development, and policy and public affairs. To learn more, call (501) 727-5435, visit the Web site at www.uawri.org, or stay connected on Twitter and Facebook.