SFLR Network 2026 Landowners Conference: Full Schedule

4:00pm CDT

Check-in Opens

Tuesday May 12, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT

The Social Foyer (2nd floor) @ The Fennec

Welcome!

This check-in is for Conference attendees who have already completed registration. Please check in upon arrival to confirm your attendance and receive Conference materials.

Check-in is located on the second floor of The Fennec, in the foyer of The Social.

Event Staff will be available to assist and direct you as needed.

We’re glad you’re here and look forward to your participation!

Tuesday May 12, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
The Social Foyer (2nd floor) @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

5:00pm CDT

Welcome Reception & Networking

Tuesday May 12, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm CDT

The Social Foyer (2nd floor) @ The Fennec

Kick off the conference with an evening designed to connect, unwind, and energize. Join us at the Welcome Reception for great music from a live band, lively conversation, and a room full of peers ready to share ideas and build new connections. Whether you’re reconnecting with colleagues or meeting someone new, this is the perfect setting to expand your network in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere....
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Speakers

Amena Brown

Sol Graffiti, Inc.

Amena Brown is a spoken word poet, author, and performing artist whose work interweaves keep-it-real storytelling, rhyme and humor. A proud graduate of Spelman College and previous poetic partner for Tracee Ellis Ross’ natural hair brand, PATTERN Beauty, Amena is the author of five... Read More →

Tuesday May 12, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm CDT
The Social Foyer (2nd floor) @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

Company Plenary Session

6:00pm CDT

Conference Begins & Seated Dinner

Tuesday May 12, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

The Social @ The Fennec

Start the conference with energy and inspiration at our Opening Session. You’ll be welcomed by our Executive Director and Board President, setting the tone for the days ahead. The program will feature a dynamic introduction of our conference host, Amena Brown Owen, whose voice and presence will guide us throughout the event. The session will culminate in a powerful keynote from Mirna Valerio,...
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Speakers

Bethaney Wilkinson

Executive Director, SFLR Network

Bethaney Wilkinson serves as Executive Director of the Sustainable Forestry & African American Land Retention Network (SFLR), a non-profit intermediary working to create a sustainable system of support for African American and rural forest landowners through forest management and... Read More →

Alton Perry

Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Program Director, Roanoke Electric Cooperative

Alton Perry is the Director of Roanoke Electric Cooperative’s Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention (SFLR) Project, where he supports all (regardless of race) forest landowners with a particular focus on empowering African American families to use their woodlands to build wealth... Read More →

Amena Brown

Sol Graffiti, Inc.

Mirna Valerio

President, The Mirnavator LLC

Mirna Valerio is a native of Brooklyn, NY, a former educator and cross-country coach, ultramarathoner, cyclist, skier, DEI consultant, and bestselling author of the memoir, A Beautiful Work in Progress. She began running in high school, recommitted to the sport after a health scare... Read More →

Tuesday May 12, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
The Social @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

8:00am CDT

Breakfast

Wednesday May 13, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT

The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill, Live Music, Events

Breakfast includes:
Biscuits
Fruit
Sausage
Cheddar Stone Ground Grits
Scrambled Eggs
Breakfast Juice Bar (Cranberry, Apple, and OJ)
Water

Wednesday May 13, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill, Live Music, Events 1630 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA

9:00am CDT

Plenary Session I

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CDT

The Social @ The Fennec

Kick off the day with our opening plenary session, featuring a warm welcome, orientation to the day’s schedule, and opening remarks. This session sets the tone for meaningful engagement and shared learning. The plenary will include a featured panel discussion on “Securing Your Land for the Next Generation,” where speakers will explore strategies, challenges, and opportunities related to land...
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Speakers

Amena Brown

Sol Graffiti, Inc.

Josh Walden, Esq.

Chief of Operations, Center for Heirs' Property

Josh F. Walden serves as an attorney and Chief of Operations for the Center for Heirs’ Property, where he oversees the Legal, Forestry and Community Engagement Departments and works closely with the Executive Team to ensure that “Rightfully Home” is more than just a tagline... Read More →

Cheryl Peterson

Assistant Managing Director, McIntosh Sustainable Environment and Economic Development (S.E.E.D.)

Cheryl is the Assistant Managing Director at McIntosh Sustainable Environment and Economic Development (McSEED), a non-profit organization located in Darien, GA.

Cheryl works to strengthen families and marginalized communities with a focus on education, economic development, empowerment, and environmental preservation. Cheryl helps families with strategies for land retention, family legacy, and generational wealth. Cheryl also assists with... Read More →

Hodges Smith

Born in the small town of Eutaw, AL, on April 12, 1953, I grew up in a household with six siblings, where my parents instilled the values of hard work, perseverance, and kindness. As a child, I was always curious and enjoyed exploring nature, fishing, and hunting. These early experiences... Read More →

Deron Lacey

Executive Director, Limited Resource Landowner Education and Assistance Network (LRLEAN)

In 2021, I joined LRLEAN as a Forestry Consultant. Since then, I have been traveling across Alabama, advocating for forest stewardship and its crucial role in land retention. My experiences in forestry began on my family's 200 acre farm in rural Fayette County Alabama, working with... Read More →

Tyrone Williams

Tyrone Williams, a native of Enfield, North Carolina, is a key figure in Fourtee Acres, a minority family-owned forestry, farming, natural gardening and family engagement consulting operation. Fourtee Acres is a 45-acre portion of the larger Williams Family Farm, which has been in... Read More →

Jacy Fisher

Partner, Gregory Varner & Associates

Jacy E. Fisheris a Partner at Gregory Varner & Associates in Alabama, where she focuses her practice on heirs’ property, estate planning, probate, and real estate litigation. Since 2020, she has built a statewide and national reputation as a dedicated advocate for heirs’ property landowners... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
The Social @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

10:30am CDT

Networking Break

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am CDT

The Foxhole @ The Fennec

Take a pause to connect, recharge, and build relationships during this networking break. This is an opportunity to meet fellow participants, exchange ideas, and continue conversations sparked throughout the day.

Whether you're making new connections or deepening existing ones, this time is designed to foster meaningful collaboration and community.

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
The Foxhole @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

11:00am CDT

Breakout Sessions I - Living and Leaving a Legacy

Wednesday May 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

The Main Stage @ the Fennec

Speakers

Tyrone Williams

Wednesday May 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
The Main Stage @ the Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

11:00am CDT

Breakout Sessions I- Tracing Your Roots, Claiming Your Ground: Connecting Genealogy Research and Property Ownership.

Wednesday May 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

The Cypress @ The Fennec

This presentation, "Tracing Your Roots, Claiming Your Ground: Genealogy & Property Ownership," is designed for anyone interested in uncovering their family's past through the lens of land. It will guide attendees through the fundamental principles of genealogical research, from starting with known information to working backward through generations. Crucially, the session will highlight the...
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Speakers

Renate Yarborough Sanders

Renate Yarborough Sanders is a distinguished genealogist, educator, and speaker specializing in research methodology, with an emphasis on African American ancestral research. A retired elementary school educator, she leverages her instructional background to provide genealogy education... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
The Cypress @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

11:00am CDT

Breakout Sessions I-Protecting the Roots: Estate Planning Tools to Secure Your Land

Wednesday May 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

The Social @ The Fennec

Speakers

Jacy Fisher

Partner, Gregory Varner & Associates

Wednesday May 13, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
The Social @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

12:00pm CDT

Lunch

Wednesday May 13, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT

The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill, Live Music, Events

CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD
BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA
CHICKEN MARSALA
TROUT AMANDINE
GREEN MARKET VEGETABLES
SAFFRON RISOTTO
WATER & SODA
SDESSERT

Wednesday May 13, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill, Live Music, Events 1630 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA

1:00pm CDT

Plenary Session II

Wednesday May 13, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

The Social @ The Fennec

Join us for an engaging plenary session that brings together expert insights and practical opportunities for landowners looking to maximize the value and legacy of their land. The session will begin with a welcome and opening remarks, followed by a series of informative presentations focused on knowing your timber and making informed decisions for the future. Topics will include pathways to...
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Speakers

Harry Guinness

Climate Finance Specialist, New Leaf Climate Partners

Harry focuses on fund design and investment activities, working to get flexible capital to strategies for land restoration and reforestation. Before setting up New Leaf, Harry spent a decade at Lion’s Head Global Partners, creating impact investment products, primarily in climate... Read More →

Elea Crockett

Director, New Leaf Climate

Elea a program strategy and partnerships expert, leading New Leaf’s implementation and engagement efforts to expand landowner access to emerging forestry markets. Previously, she led public-sector outreach for the NYC Dept of Health and the $25M NY Rising Program, managed partnerships... Read More →

Frank Buncom IV

Senior Associate, New Leaf Climate

Frank is New Leaf’s project implementation pioneer - working on restoration and forest carbon projects in California. Frank was Head of Product at DailyDoctor where he worked on making healthcare accessible for our most vulnerable populations. In tandem with his work at NLC, Frank... Read More →

Carrie Martin

Director of Agriculture and Conservation, BFLT

Carrie Martin is a multi-generational farmer, agritourism practitioner, and agricultural leader with over 20 years of experience. As Director of Agriculture and Conservation with the Black Family Land Trust, Inc. (BFLT), Carrie leads efforts to support farmers and landowners in securing... Read More →

T'arie Todman

Winston County Self Help Cooperative

T’arie “T” Todman leads with exceptional compassion and imparts her wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge to individuals who need it the most. After completing her doctorate in pharmacy from Hampton University in 2004, she served as a military officer pharmacist in the... Read More →

Dr. Frederik Laleicke

Associate Professor and Wood Products Extension Specialist, Director of the Undergraduate Program, Department of Forest Biomaterials North Carolina State University

Dr. Frederik Laleicke is an Associate Professor and Wood Products Extension Specialist at NC State University. He serves in key leadership roles as the Department Extension Leader and the Director of the Sustainable Materials and Technology undergraduate program.

Dr. Laleicke’s work is dedicated to providing technical and strategic support to the value-added wood products industry, spanning the full spectrum from solid wood to composites and engineered materials into actionable opportunities for businesses and landowners alike... Read More →

Exhibitors

Sydney Davenport

Senior Business Development Manager, FUNGA

Katherine Favor

Katherine is an agroforestry consultant, working with various nonprofits and government entities to support agroforestry adoption. She has worked in the agroforestry sector for 12+ years, with experience advancing climate-resilient land management, conservation, and farmer well-being... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
The Social @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

2:30pm CDT

Breakout Session II: Deeper Dive: Knowing Your Timber: Pathways to Hardwood Markets

Wednesday May 13, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

The Social @ The Fennec

Speakers

Hui Li

Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University

Dr. Hui Li is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Forest Biomaterials, focusing on circular bioeconomy solutions using bio- and recycled materials. His research advances biopolymers and biocomposites, nanomaterials, mass timber manufacturing, and adhesive bonding, with... Read More →

Dr. Frederik Laleicke

Associate Professor and Wood Products Extension Specialist, Director of the Undergraduate Program, Department of Forest Biomaterials North Carolina State University

Wednesday May 13, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
The Social @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

2:30pm CDT

Breakout Session II: Deeper Dive: Understanding Carbon Opportunities for Your Land

Wednesday May 13, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

The Cypress @ The Fennec

Speakers

Frank Buncom IV

Senior Associate, New Leaf Climate

Kunsang Dorjee

New Leaf Climate Partners

Kunsang is New Leaf’s secret weapon for research and data analysis - deploying across themes to inform how, where and why resources can be deployed for maximum impact. Kunsang was previously a Strategy and Consulting Associate at The Ogilvy Group where he helped advise technology... Read More →

Harry Guinness

Climate Finance Specialist, New Leaf Climate Partners

Elea Crockett

Director, New Leaf Climate

Wednesday May 13, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
The Cypress @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

2:30pm CDT

Breakout Session II: Deeper Dive: Unlocking Avenues in Agrotourism for Family-owned Land

Wednesday May 13, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

The Main Stage @ the Fennec

Speakers

Carrie Martin

Director of Agriculture and Conservation, BFLT

Seyram Selase

Owner, Operator, Cunningham Estates

Seyram Selase is the President of Cunningham Estates, a multigenerational family property in East Alabama with over 70 years of history. His work is centered on preserving legacy, protecting African American land ownership, and activating the land as a living space for education... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
The Main Stage @ the Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

4:00pm CDT

Break

Wednesday May 13, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill, Live Music, Events

Wednesday May 13, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill, Live Music, Events 1630 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA

6:00pm CDT

Special Experience & Fireside Chat

Wednesday May 13, 2026 6:00pm - 8:30pm CDT

The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill, Live Music, Events

Join Stephen Satterfield and Bethaney Wilkinson for an intimate and thought-provoking fireside chat exploring what it means to truly own and shape the systems that impact our communities, land, and livelihoods. Owning the Ecosystem invites participants to consider how we move beyond participation to leadership—building, influencing, and sustaining the networks and resources that define our...
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Speakers

Bethaney Wilkinson

Executive Director, SFLR Network

Stephen Satterfield

Author, Speaker, Journalist

Stephen Satterfield has spent his career redefining food and beverage as means of organizing, activating and educating. He is the founder of Whetstone, a groundbreaking magazine and media company dedicated to food origins and culture from around the world, as well as HONE Media, a... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 6:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill, Live Music, Events 1630 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA

8:00am CDT

Breakfast

Thursday May 14, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT

The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill, Live Music, Events

Biscuits
Fruit
Apple Wood Smoke Bacon
Cheddar Stone Ground Grits
Scrambled Eggs

Thursday May 14, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill, Live Music, Events 1630 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA

9:00am CDT

Plenary Session III

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT

The Social @ The Fennec

Speakers

Terry Best

Terry L. Best is from eastern NC. Earned a BS Degree in Agriculture Education fromNC A&T State University in Greensboro NC. He provided technical assistance tolandowners and farmers in natural resource planning, conservation practice design andimplementation. He recently completed... Read More →

Felicia Burke

Mcintosh Seed

Felicia is a land stewardship educator, landscape designer, and horticulture professional withmore than 20 years of experience helping landowners and producers across Georgia and Floridastrengthen their connection to the land while protecting natural resources. Her work focuses onsustainable... Read More →

Amena Brown

Sol Graffiti, Inc.

Karen Lee

Small Farm Program Specialist, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff - Keeping It In the Family

Ms. Karen Lee serves as an Extension Program Specialist with the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). The program supports all producers, regardless of race, color, or religion, while placing a particular emphasis on historically underserved and small-scale... Read More →

Charley Williams

University of Arkansas Pine Bluff - Keeping It In the Family

Charley is a 1975 graduate of the School of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas at Pine
Bluff. Immediately after graduating, Charley accepted a position as Soil Conservationist with the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, now Natural Resources Conservation Service. Serving in various positions such as District Conservationist, Resource... Read More →

Alton Perry

Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Program Director, Roanoke Electric Cooperative

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
The Social @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

11:00am CDT

Conference Close with Grab & Go Lunch

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

The Social @ The Fennec

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The Social @ The Fennec 1630 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, USA

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