The Walnut Council is co-sponsoring a conference, "Quality Hardwoods/Quality Water - Hardwood Establishment and Management for Watershed Restoration," as part of its 2002 international meeting July 28-31 at Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, Hagerstown.

The conference, which also is sponsored by the Potomac Watershed Partnership, Maryland Cooperative Extension and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service, will discuss hardwood tree planting in the United States.

Hardwood tree planting has greatly increased in recent years, especially in the mid-Atlantic region in response to initiatives to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay.

But the scale and diversity of the planting under way raises concerns of how to successfully plant and manage these species in field situations.

Topics will cover a wide range of subjects relating to hardwood establishment, including improvements and alternatives to standard practices.

Discounted registration and lodging rates are available to those who sign up soon.

Information: www.walnut council.org, or DNR Forest Service, 301-791-4010.