NORWICH – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County is taking a new approach in educating rural landowners who have questions about their rights and liabilities when looking at options for their properties.

The agency will address these questions in a series of two workshops designed for farmers and rural landowners, with an emphasis on small farms, beginning farmers, agroforestry, woodland owners and landowners considering alternative options for their properties.

According to workshop coordinator Rich Taber, the two classes are geared toward helping rural landowners better understand their rights and responsibilities as landowners, how to deal with issues in land ownership, how to transfer land to their heirs, or how to make more money from their land.

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight at CCE, 99 N. Broad St. in Norwich, the agency will host the first workshop to address land leasing and liabilities, and posting and trespassing issues.

“Whenever you allow someone on to your property, you’ve got to have things spelled out,” said Taber, noting the importance of understanding lease agreements.