Issue 160: Week of September 11th, 2023

Regional News

• NCSU Tree Improvement Program Needs Help to Find Loblolly Pines with Witch's Broom
• University of Tennessee Hosts International Oak Symposium
• Call For Proposals for 81st Prof. Agricultural Workers Conference
• UF/IFAS Hosts Follow the Water Workshop
• USFS Announces New Landscape Scale Investments- Including Projects in GA, FL, KY, LA, MS & NC 
• National Deer Association Hosts MS & KY Working for Wildlife Tour
• The Jones Center Publishes Article on Longleaf Pine Management & Water Savings
• UF/IFAS Announces Program for Women in Agriculture
• Extreme Disturbances and Climate Change in the Southeast US Virtual Workshop
• SGSF Reports Extreme Fire Danger in Southern US Due to Droughts 

National News

• USFS Southern Research Station Publishes Article on the Decline of Pollinator Populations in Undisturbed Forests
• Fastmarkets Predicts US to Become Net Exporter of Softwood Lumber by 2027
• USFS Publishes Research on the Effects of the ‘Greening Hypothesis’ on Busy Streets and Crime
• USDA Feral Swine Eradication Program & Control Pilot Program Successful in Reducing Ag Producers & Landowners’ Negative Impacts
• The Number of Cricket Chirps are Correlated with Temperature
• Marketing for Change Publishes Article Explaining the Relationship Between Our Thoughts and Being Green
• TNC Publishes 2022 Geospatial Annual Report
• #ForestProud’s Portfolio of Urban Wood Films and Social Media Campaign Available to Use
• Camping To Connect Showcases Short Film About “Nature-Deficit Disorder”
• New Research Reviews Key Physical Traits of Urban Trees to Optimize Runoff Reduction
• Call for Proposals for Extension Leadership Conference & Public Issues Leadership Development Conference
• US Endowment for Forestry and Communities Releases Report about Wildfire Crisis Strategy Implementation Plan Roundtable Discussions 
• 2024 National Adaptation Forum Call for Proposals
• USFS & CalFire Host Virtual Asynchronous Urban Wood Academy

Webinars

• ForestHer Webinar Series: Establishing Early Successional Communities for Wildlife
• Natural Resources Webinar Series – Drone Applications in Forest Vegetation Management
• Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) Peer Learning Session
• Women’s Forest Congress September Virtual Gathering
• Water Circularity for Controlled Environment Agriculture Operations
• New Forest Landowner? Learn Your Next Steps
• Forestry Toolbox: First Steps in Forestry Hybrid Class
• Live Chestnut Chat
• Yale Forest Forum: Climate-Smart Forestry and Carbon
• Evaluating Impact in Extension Programming
• Control Agents: Identifying Research Priorities and Knowledge Gaps
• Investing in the Future of Forestry: Building a Thriving Workforce
• Yale Forest Forum: What Does Adaptive Silviculture Look Like
• A picture is worth a thousand words: How IFTDSS is changing the look of fuels planning Wildfire Exposure Assessment for Three Boreal Communities in Alaska
• Solar Geoengineering Futures: Interdisciplinary Research to Inform Decision-making
• Organic Pest Control: High Tunnel Pest Exclusion System Presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology
• FireHydro – Mapping South Florida Daily Fire Risk Using Fuels, Water Levels, and Burn History
• Unlocking the Value of Green Infrastructure Incentive Programs for Urban Agriculture by Leveraging Public and Private Investment
• Wildfire and Prescribed Fire on Your Property

Funding Opportunities

• USDA Announces $188M Investment in Forestry Legacy Program
• SFI Announces 2023 Community Grants to Promote Forest-Focused Collaboration
• NIHHIS FY2024 Funding Opportunity
• DOI Slip-On Tankers Grant Request for Information
• USFS Seeking Applications Under CWDG Program Second Round
• USDA Announces Funding for Conservation Innovation Grants

Job Opportunities

• Assistant Professor of Forest Management and Forestry Extension – University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
• Forest Economist I – Texas A&M Forest Service
• Wood Utilization & Marketing Specialist – Texas A&M Forest Service
• Forestry Extension Instructor – University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
• Open Extension Faculty Positions at Mississippi State University
• FIA Staff Forester I - Texas A&M Forest Service (Two positions)
• Asst. District Forester/State Forest Program Specialist – TN Dept of Ag
• State Forest Forester Supervisor - Forester III – TN Dept of Ag
• Staff Forester/Woodland Ecologist I - Urban & Community Forestry
• FIA Analyst- USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station (Two positions)
• National Agroforestry Center Technical Assistance & Science Delivery Fellow
• Reforestation Forester (2 Positions) – Sierra Pacific Industries
• Area Foresters (2 Positions) – Virginia Department of Forestry
• Forester III – TN Dept of Ag (3 Positions)
• Assistant Professor or Lecturer of Forestry – Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

The Guidebook for Prescribed Burning in the Southern Region Is Now Available

Whether you started burning with your grandparents as a toddler, or you’ve never held a drip torch, the "Guidebook for Prescribed Burning in the Southern Region" will help you set and meet your burning goals. Written by a team of Forestry Extension professionals from across the South and reviewed by nearly 50 prescribed burning experts, extension personnel, state forestry agency personnel, and fire scientists, this 200+ page, full-color spiral-bound book presents fire concepts in an easy-to-read manner. 

To access the PDF version of the Guidebook and learn more, click here. To be notified when more printed copies are available, click here.

Regional News

NCSU Tree Improvement Program Needs Help to Find Loblolly Pines with Witch's Broom         

The North Carolina State University Tree Improvement Program (NCSU TIP) needs your help to identify Loblolly pines with a “witch’s broom,” as part of a Citizen Science project. A witch's broom is an abnormal growth in pine due to a fungus or mutation. The team at NC State is looking for loblolly pine trees with witch's brooms to sample needles and cones to better understand the mutation. More information about Witch’s Broom can be found in this factsheet here. If you know the location of a loblolly pine with a witch's broom, fill out the form here, (you will also find a picture of a witch’s broom). Once you fill out the form, then NCSU staff will look at the submissions, and decide the best locations and how to sample the needle and cones. Sampling may be done by the submitter or NCSU staff depending on the situation. For any questions contact Dr. Nasir Shalizi.

University of Tennessee Hosts International Oak Symposium

The University of Tennessee (UT) School of Natural Resources is hosting the International Oak Symposium on October 7-10 in Knoxville, TN. The symposium’s overall goal is to cultivate and promote synergy among natural resource managers working towards practical applications to sustain or restore oak ecosystems around the world. This event is intended to serve as a platform to exchange information and build collaborations around the best available science and technology in oak ecology and management. Presentations and discussions in the symposium will address the most current issues and complexities related to science-based management of oak species and forests at global, regional, and local scales. There will also be field trips to showcase the multi-disciplinary research of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDA FS) and other partners. More information about the symposium can be found here.

Call For Proposals for 81st Prof. Agricultural Workers Conference

Tuskegee University will be hosting the 81^st Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) October 29-31 in downtown Montgomery, AL. Submit professional or student abstracts related to the conference theme and relevant topics by September 22. PAWC is a forum committed to promoting equal opportunity and equitable access to information and technology for sustainable development of communities and natural resources. The scope of PAWC is national and includes representatives from the national land grant community, and from the state, federal, and private sectors. This year’s theme will be “revisiting our roots: unlocking the power of agriculture.” Anyone associated with the agricultural industry will want to attend to engage with others in the field and explore the latest developments. To learn more about the event and to register, click here.

UF/IFAS Hosts Follow the Water Workshop

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is hosting a workshop that will be held on four separate Thursdays from September 14 to October 5 to showcase how natural hydrology, watersheds, and the urban environment affect Florida. This workshop is for anyone interested in hydrology and how it impacts everyone on a day-to-day basis. This is an active workshop that involves a lot of walking. Program locations will vary from the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge to the Nature Coast Biological Station with two more locations between. To see the full agenda and to register, click here.

USFS Announces New Landscape Scale Investments- Including Projects in GA, FL, KY, LA, MS & NC

The United States Forest Service (USFS) recently announced the 64 funded projects which are part of the Landscape Scale Restoration Program. These projects are focused on restoring forests across tribal, state, and private lands and this is the first year the agency has made funding directly available to federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native corporations. Funding for projects in the South varies across states and includes funding for education and outreach for next-generation landowners in Georgia, developing an invasive plant strike team in Kentucky, analyzing timber and carbon availability in Louisiana, implementing forest management strategies in Mississippi, forestry workforce promotion and training programs in North Carolina, and increasing longleaf pine restoration through partnerships in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and North Carolina. The goal of these investments is to continue to work across jurisdictions to support healthy, productive forest landscapes that are resilient to climate change. More information about the projects in each state as well as their funding can be found here.

National Deer Association Hosts MS & KY Working for Wildlife Tours

The National Deer Association (NDA) is hosting two workshops– one in Mississippi focused on wildlife habitat and one in Kentucky focused on white oak restoration. The event in Mississippi will take place the morning of September 23 in DeSoto National Forest and Leaf River WMA. The goal of this event is for wildlife tree establishment, food plot seeding, and invasive plant removal with the goals of reducing non-natives, improving natural forage and hunting, and increasing biodiversity. The Kentucky workshop will be held on October 14 in the Daniel Boone National Forest. At this event, participants will collect white oak acorns that will be used for a local reforestation project at a later date. Both events will begin with United States Forest Service (USFS) staff detailing background information about the location and project. To find out more about these events, click here for Mississippi and here for Kentucky.

The Jones Center Publishes Article on Longleaf Pine Management & Water Savings

The Jones Center at Ichauway recently published an article summarizing results from a research study evaluating how the management of longleaf pines impacts water savings. Modeling research has suggested that low-density longleaf pine restoration increased annual streamflow, particularly during droughts. To test if the modeling would be true in real-world landscapes, researchers quantified how existing longleaf pine woodlands affect hydrology in the southeastern US. Findings suggested that greater longleaf pine coverage averaged 17% higher annual water yield than watersheds with little to no pine cover. It was also found that streamflow was 92% higher during droughts in watersheds with longleaf pines. One exception to the pattern is that hydrological benefits were not realized if the pine cover was managed at high densities. To read more about this study, click here.

UF/IFAS Announces Program for Women in Agriculture

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recently announced a 6-week program beginning September 18 connecting women with experts in production, fiscal management, human resources, marketing, and legal aspects of establishing an agricultural business. The goal of this program is to empower women in agriculture to be successful through education, networks, and resources. During the six-week workshop, participants will have an opportunity to connect, share, and learn about women's empowerment, the dynamics of agriculture, funding opportunities, and connect and grow with each other. To learn more about this program and to register, click here.

Extreme Disturbances and Climate Change in the Southeast US Virtual Workshop

This workshop is hosted by the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, and the United States Forest Service (USFS). This virtual workshop is open to natural and cultural resource managers, especially in Tribal Nations and the southern United States, and others who want to learn more about the science of extreme disturbances, their impact on lands and forests, and applications for management under these threats. The presenters will focus on wild and prescribed fire, invasive species, storms, flooding, and more. This workshop will take place on September 26 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm ET. To learn more and register, click here.

SGSF Reports Extreme Fire Danger in Southern US Due to Droughts

The Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) summarized the current state of extreme fire danger in the South in a recent article. With 100-degree+ temperatures and abnormally low humidity, the South has critically dry vegetation that could fuel wildfires. This is the first time on record that the South has been the top national priority area for wildfire response during this time of year. Historically the West has experienced the most critical fire activity in August/September. Fortunately, the South is experienced in suppressing wildfires and has coordinated interagency responses to wildfires. Already, the interagency cooperation has yielded results as the Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire resources worked to improve the conditions in Texas. To read more about the danger of the drought and the response to recent wildfires, click here.

National News

USFS Southern Research Station Publishes Article on the Decline of Pollinator Populations in Undisturbed Forests

The United States Forest Service Southern Research Station (USFS SRS) recently published an article analyzing the decline of pollinator populations in undisturbed forests. While most research on pollinator decline takes place in landscaped areas highly altered by human activities, this study focused on forests largely undisturbed by humans. The researchers started investigating an average of 30 bee species at the sites, but by the end of the experiment, the number of species declined by 40% and the number of individual bees had decreased by more than 60% over a 15-year period. It is proposed that the decline can be contributed to climate change and the presence of invasive ants. While pollinator populations naturally fluctuate, this analysis strongly indicates a significant decline over the past 15 years in the study area. Read more about this research and the impact here.

Fastmarkets Predicts US to Become Net Exporter of Softwood Lumber by 2027

Fastmarkets, a cross-commodity price reporting agency in agriculture, forest products, metal, mining, and new generation energy markets, has recently published an article detailing how the US will become a net exporter of softwood lumber in overseas trade. Projections show exports to overseas destinations are increasing steadily. The US has not been a net softwood lumber exporter since 2016 when domestic market conditions were weak. As production capacity in the southern US expands significantly, there will be more outlets to sell the wood. To read more about this forecast, click here.

USFS Publishes Research on the Effects of the ‘Greening Hypothesis’ on Busy Streets and Crime

The United States Forest Service (USFS)has recently published an article documenting the effects of vacant lot greening on community-level crime and violence. Greening is an intervention that involves removing trash, grading the land, planting new grasses and trees, and maintaining the property. This research tested the Busy Street Theory (BST) which states that residents who are involved in the greening process can help improve physical environments and build social connections that deter crime and violence. The density of violent crime during the summer months of 2016-2018 was compared across neighborhoods with vacant lot greening, neighborhoods that received professional mowing, and neighborhoods that had no treatment. Results showed that greening and professional mowing resulted in a decline in violent crime compared to no treatment, and greening decreased crime more than professional mowing. To read more about the effects of community-engaged greening and violent crime rates, click here.

USDA Feral Swine Eradication Program & Control Pilot Program Successful in Reducing Ag Producers & Landowners’ Negative Impacts

Five years ago, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the “Feral Swine Eradication Program and Control Pilor Program” (FPCP) to help agricultural producers and private landowners fight the negative cost impacts of feral swine to their land. USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Plant Health Inspection Services’ Wildlife Services partnered to control the threat of feral swine on the landscapes and ecosystems. The program has successfully assisted more than 4,300 landowners on almost 3 million acres and trained and educated more than 100,000 people across project areas. Financial support from local partners resulted in over $10 Million in cost share support to assist with funding the different projects that varied based on state and local needs. Read more about the success of the partnership here.

The Number of Cricket Chirps are Correlated with Temperature

Mental Floss online magazine recently posted an article recounting a finding by scientist Amos Dolbear that was originally posted in The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Dolbear, in the late 1800s wrote that the muscle used by crickets to chip move easier in warmer weather than cooler temperatures. Crickets make their chirping noise by rubbing the “scraper” organ on one wing against the “file” organ on the other, thus creating the familiar chirp sound. With this knowledge, Dolbear created a formula that was later dubbed “Dolbear’s Law.” According to this law, the number of chirps per 14-second interval plus 40 roughly estimates the current temperature in Fahrenheit. To read more about nature’s thermometer, click here.

Marketing for Change Publishes Article Explaining the Relationship Between Our Thoughts and Being Green

Marketing for Change, a social science-based marketing firm focused on creating marketing campaigns for government agencies, recently published an article explaining how intentions of being environmentally friendly could be holding people back from selecting environmentally friendly items. They listed several biases that stand in the way of selecting items that are labeled to be environmentally friendly: ambiguity bias means that people select what is familiar rather than embracing something that is new and vaguely known. Self-positivity bias, on the other hand, makes a person think they are taking more positive actions than they actually are. While people can have the intention of purchasing green products, personal biases can prevent them from diverting from the norm and purchasing new products. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) behavior scientist Magali Delmas created a bell curve to show what people think they do versus what they actually do. According to Delmas, consumers are less likely to buy a product if they think that the main reason for purchasing it is for a green benefit. The recommended solution to this is to use a “green bundle” that pairs products with other features that consumers shop for including quality, health, money, status, and emotion. To read the full article about green behaviors, click here.

TNC Publishes 2022 Geospatial Annual Report

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) recently released the fourth edition of the Geospatial Annual Report & Map Book. Every year, TNC compiles conservation stories that leverage geospatial work from across the organization. This edition focuses on how technology and data are supporting TNC’s 2030 goals for freshwater. Highlights of this edition include a tribute to TNC’s freshwater ecologist who recently passed away, results from the staff annual survey, a feature story about the Amazon Basin, a global analysis of a river system, a spotlight on the Lake Tanganyika Basin map, and information about how geospatial systems are further advancing the organization’s conservation work. The full annual report can be accessed here.

#ForestProud’s Portfolio of Urban Wood Films and Social Media Campaign Available to Use

In partnership with #ForestProud, the Urban Wood Economy recently released a free portfolio of films and digital assets to promote and showcase urban and community wood. Viewers are encouraged to share the Partner Empowerment Package films on social media and other platforms. The package includes two promotional films, social media content, blogs, partner interviews, and links to available resources and articles covering urban wood. These digital assets are available for all professionals in the field of natural resource management to learn about and promote urban and community wood. To access the free digital content, click here.

Camping To Connect Showcases Short Film About “Nature-Deficit Disorder”

Camping to Connect, a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led mentorship program that teaches leadership, brotherhood, and inclusion in the outdoors, recently highlighted a short film that was awarded Best Short Film at the 2022 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival. The film, “Wood Hood,” directed by Alex Cullen, features DeVaughn as the main character. DeVaughn is a 15-year-old from New York City craving a quiet place to escape the chaos of the city. The film follows DeVaughn on a weekend-long group camping trip with Camping to Connect. The purpose of the movie is to urge viewers to recognize the positive effects that accessibility to nature can have for everyone. They advocate that a happier and healthier society can be built when surrounded by nature. Read more about the short film and watch it here.

New Research Reviews Key Physical Traits of Urban Trees to Optimize Runoff Reduction

New research recently released by Michigan State, United States Forest Service and University of Delaware forestry researchers quantifies the physical traits of urban trees needed to optimize runoff reduction. The study researchers conducted a systematic review of the literature to determine the physical traits, site conditions, and urban forest management strategies that provide optimal runoff mitigation through intercepting rain or enhancing infiltration of the rain that is routed toward the ground by tree cover. Results from the review indicate that high leaf area index, low hydrophobicity, low inclination angles, high surface roughness, high bark water storage capacity, and denser crowns promote rainfall retention by the canopy. The findings of this study can be useful towards establishment, maintenance, and management of urban tree cover to maximize stormwater management. To read the full study, click here.

Call for Proposals for Extension Leadership Conference & Public Issues Leadership Development Conference

The Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) is hosting its 2024 Extension Leadership Conference (ELC) on February 14-15 in Tampa, FL as well as its Public Issues Leadership Development Conference (PILD) on April 15-17 in Arlington, VA. Both conferences have opened their call for proposals due October 13. Presentation formats for ELC include a skill-building session, training workshops, or a poster presentation. Proposals are to reference best practices of scholarship or appropriate research-based science. For the PILD conference, the theme is Year-round Advocacy and recognizes the Extension’s ongoing ability to leverage funding, partnerships, and technology to build national, regional, and local advocates to meet the challenges. The PILD Planning Committee is seeking abstracts from Extension professionals who have demonstrated advocacy to address critical public issues at local, state, regional, or national levels. Read more about the conferences, guidelines, and criteria for both events here.

US Endowment for Forestry and Communities Releases Report about Wildfire Crisis Strategy Implementation Plan Roundtable Discussions

The US Endowment for Forestry and Communities held industry-specific roundtable discussions in each forest service region with the United States Forest Service (USFS) and Resources for the Future (RFF) to address the challenges of biomass utilization, markets, and waste disposal for the Wildfire Crisis Strategy Implementation Plan. Five themes were identified in addition to region-specific opportunities, including road infrastructure improvement; certainty, trust, and credibility; workforce development; new use and market development for under-utilized biomass; and national policy. The full report regarding the roundtable discussions has recently become available. To read the full report, click here.

2024 National Adaptation Forum Call for Proposals

The 2024 National Adaptation Forum has recently announced a call for proposals for its 6th national forum that will be held May 14-16 in Saint Paul, MN. The National Adaptation Forum is a bi-annual event for adaptation professionals to innovate, network, and focus on established and emerging climate adaptation issues of the day. The Forum provides opportunities for professional development through training sessions, facilitated presentations and panels, and formal and informal networking sessions. To encourage a diverse range of speakers and participation, attendees may only present or participate in one session. To learn more about The Forum or to read the proposal guidelines, click here.

USFS & CalFire Host Virtual Asynchronous Urban Wood Academy

The United States Forest Service’s (USFS) and CalFire’s Urban Wood Academy is designed to expand knowledge and engagement in the growth of urban wood utilization. Hosting the December California Urban Wood Academy in San Marcos, California, partners, national and regional experts focus on scaling up urban wood utilization by addressing a wide range of urban wood enterprises and the technologies and opportunities surrounding the urban wood sector in California and beyond. These enterprises vary widely from artisan product development to large volume dimensional timber production. This course is for arborists, urban or community forest managers, city or municipal employees who deal with trees and/or wood waste disposal, and artisanal woodworker, and anyone interested in utilization topics. Learn more and join the course here.

Webinars

September 12 | 1:00 pm EST (12:00 pm CDT)

ForestHer Webinar Series: Establishing Early Successional Communities for Wildlife 

Hosted by Alabama Forest Owners’ Association. Speaker: Bence Carter, Alabama Extension. Pre-registration required. For more information, contact Becky Barlow. Pre-register here.

September 13 | 1:00 pm EST (12:00 pm CDT)

Natural Resources Webinar Series – Drone Applications in Forest Vegetation Management 

Hosted by Alabama Forest Owners’ Association. Will be presented via Zoom. Registration required. For more information contact

Norm Haley. Register here. 

September 13 | 1:00 pm EST

Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) Peer Learning Session

During this peer learning session, attendees will learn more about the CFLR Program, including background and updates;

hear from three different CFLRPs and engage in a group discussion around current successes, challenges, opportunities, and needs; (re)connect with current and former CFLRP colleagues, including US Forest Service staff, researchers, and partners;

have the opportunity to inform future peer learning session topics around collaborative forest management. More information and registration can be found here.

September 13 | 2:00 pm EST

Women’s Forest Congress September Virtual Gathering 

Throughout the month of September and during the September 13th virtual gathering, we’ll focus on Resolution #8: INTENTIONALLY IDENTIFY and support more women and those from underrepresented groups to achieve leadership positions. Hear from Dr. Reagan Flowers, SFI’s Chief Education Officer, who oversees Project Learning Tree's Lifetime of Learning program to advance environmental education, forest literacy, and green career pathways, using trees and forests as windows on the world. Like all WFC virtual gatherings, come ready to be inspired, then share and learn with others during networking time. Pre-register here. 

September 14 | 1:30 pm EST

Water Circularity for Controlled Environment Agriculture Operations

Join us for this webinar during which we will discuss the key areas of water waste in CEA facilities and how to reduce or eliminate those streams; physical, chemical and biological water treatment technologies and their appropriate use; reducing reject water waste from membrane water purification; and capturing irrigation waste, HVAC condensate and rainwater for use in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities. Find more information and registration here.

September 14 | 2:00 pm EST (1:00 pm CDT)

New Forest Landowner? Learn Your Next Steps 

Did you just buy or inherit forestland and you’re not sure what to do? This webinar will help you with your first steps and get you moving in the right direction. From determining property boundaries to working with a forester, the webinar will go through the basic steps for you to be successful when you’re just starting out. For more information contact the Forest Landowners Association. Click here to register.

September 14 | 4:00 pm EST (3:00 pm CDT)

Forestry Toolbox: First Steps in Forestry Hybrid Class 

This hybrid in person and web-based access class is available for all that want to attend and learn. Our Forestry Agent in Walton and Surrounding Counties, Ian Stone, will get you started right, help you avoid common pitfalls, and help your land management take shape and meet your goals. Learn about how forests are managed for various value, the principles of multiple use and sustained yield, how to properly mark and post your boundaries, where to get a management plan, and how to find properly creditable professionals. All this and much more to help you take the first of your steps the long journey of Forest Stewardship. Click here to learn more about the event and register. 

September 15 | 11:30 am EST (10:30 am CDT)

Live Chestnut Chat 

Hosted by the American Chestnut Foundation. TACF’s Chief Conservation Officer Sara Fitzsimmons and SUNY-ESF’s American Chestnut Research and Restoration Project researcher Andy Newhouse, along with others, will share the latest updates bout the current status of the Darling 58 transgenic American Chestnut. In this Chestnut Chat, we’ll go through some frequently asked questions, then give participants an opportunity to ask their own questions related to Darling 58. Pre-registration is required. Pre-registered here.

September 18 | 12:00 pm EST

Yale Forest Forum: Climate-Smart Forestry and Carbon

The series will feature speakers from public-sector organizations like the US Forest Service, nonprofits, researchers, and academics from across the US, as well as “on-the-ground” practitioners. The series seeks to explore the following questions: How can forests be managed to be resistant to fires, storms, pests, and other acute risks that are exacerbated by climate change? What are the tradeoffs between managing forests for climate adaptation, climate mitigation, and other goals for producing goods and services and protecting ecological health? How can climate-smart forestry (CSF) help keep communities safe and resilient and provide economic opportunities? How do policies and markets influence CSF and its outcomes? and more! Register here.

September 20 | 1:00 pm EST

Evaluating Impact in Extension Programming

The Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP) Professional and Leadership Development Virtual Programs Presents this webinar. In this free webinar, Ohio State University specialist will introduce the basic principles of measuring program impact in Extension programming, including how to develop indicators of success based on program goals and identifying which evaluation methods would be a good fit. We will discuss common techniques of evaluating program impact, looking at best practices for both survey methods as well as non-survey methods. To learn more or register, click here.

September 20 | 2:00 pm EST (1:00 pm CDT)

Control Agents: Identifying Research Priorities and Knowledge Gaps 

This webinar is hosted by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA). Biocontrol, the practice of using one species (biocontrol agents) to control another (target pest) is an important management tool. Conservation, augmentative, and classical/importation biocontrol have all been successfully used to reduce target pest species in agriculture and natural systems. Climate change may influence both well-established and new biocontrol relationships, yet the effects of climate change on biocontrol agents remains largely unknown. Using a systematic literature review, we evaluate the empirical evidence for climate change effects on biocontrol agents; identifying the types of biocontrol agents, variety of responses, and environmental conditions most frequently tested by experimental studies. These results highlight the state of the science behind climate change impacts on biocontrol and the areas where both managers and researchers can work together to address current knowledge gaps. Register here.

September 20 | 5:30 pm EST (2:30 PDT)

Investing in the Future of Forestry: Building a Thriving Workforce 

Please join Port Blakely for a panel discussion with industry leaders to learn more about what they are doing to support creating a sustainable and thriving forestry workforce. We’ll focus on what the Society of American Foresters and Women’s Forest Congress are doing, and how our industry can ensure a ready, engaged, and diverse workforce and an inclusive culture for the future. Click here to learn more and register. 

September 25 | 12:00 pm EST

Yale Forest Forum: What Does Adaptive Silviculture Look Like

The series will feature speakers from public-sector organizations like the US Forest Service, nonprofits, researchers, and academics from across the US, as well as “on-the-ground” practitioners. The series seeks to explore the following questions: How can forests be managed to be resistant to fires, storms, pests, and other acute risks that are exacerbated by climate change? What are the tradeoffs between managing forests for climate adaptation, climate mitigation, and other goals for producing goods and services and protecting ecological health? How can climate-smart forestry (CSF) help keep communities safe and resilient and provide economic opportunities? How do policies and markets influence CSF and its outcomes? and more! Register here.

September 27 | 1:00 pm EST

A picture is worth a thousand words: How IFTDSS is changing the look of fuels planning Wildfire Exposure Assessment for Three Boreal Communities in Alaska

Hosted by LANDFIRE. The Interagency Fuel Treatment Decision Support System (IFTDSS) has been in action with the support of LANDFIRE data since 2017. We have a user base of just over 4000 accounts and continue to hear how IFTDSS is being used in the field in a variety of innovative ways. Projects that have leveraged IFTDSS include Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), Prescribed Fire Plans, Risk Assessments, NEPA Analyses and many more. We will take the hour to showcase a few of the success stories where IFTDSS has helped streamline the fuels planning work of fire managers and in many cases demonstrated how simple, map-based analysis and graphics provide powerful images to support this very important work. Click here to learn more and register.

September 28-29

Solar Geoengineering Futures: Interdisciplinary Research to Inform Decision-making 

Solar geoengineering represents a set of risky and untested—yet potentially beneficial—technologies that could help address the growing risks of climate change, especially when paired with aggressive emissions mitigation, carbon dioxide removal, and climate resilience efforts. Join Resources for the Future (RFF) on September 28 and 29, for “Solar Geoengineering Futures: Interdisciplinary Research to Inform Decision-making", a two-day conference focused on the key questions informing ongoing research and decision-making on solar geoengineering. This hybrid event will feature an interdisciplinary group of leading solar geoengineering experts exploring the major challenges, uncertainties, and potential benefits related to this emerging set of technologies. For event details and to register, click here.

October 3 | 3:00 pm EST

Organic Pest Control: High Tunnel Pest Exclusion System Presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is hosting this webinar in theSpanish Language for conservationists, agronomists, grazing lands specialists, landowners, land managers, technical service providers. The presenters will provide an overview of the importance of establishing native perennial plantings and key elements to consider for planning climate smart habitat restoration projects designed to improve soil health, prevent run-off into waterways, be attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects, and sequester carbon. To learn more or register, click here.

October 5 | 1:00 pm EST

FireHydro – Mapping South Florida Daily Fire Risk Using Fuels, Water Levels, and Burn History 

Hosted by Southern Fire Exchange. Mapping fire risk at a landscape scale in South Florida depends on spatially varying water levels, fuel characteristics, and topography. When surface and near-surface water levels recede below the lowest topographic features (strands, marshes, etc.), the ecosystem loses its natural, wetted fire breaks. We developed a data-driven spatial method to generate daily, categorical fire risk maps; the maps visualize low-to-high risk areas and enable fire managers to both effectively execute prescribed burns, as well as efficiently staff the landscape during high fire risk. Following the presentation there will be time for audience Q/A with the speaker. To learn more and register, click here. 

October 5 | 1:30 pm EST

Unlocking the Value of Green Infrastructure Incentive Programs for Urban Agriculture by Leveraging Public and Private Investment 

Join us for this webinar during which we will discuss what challenges and opportunities exist for leveraging public and private investment to holistically co-locate and design green stormwater infrastructure and urban agricultural best practices. Four pilot projects developed as part of this project will be highlighted, as well as a variety of insights about equity successes and challenges existing green schoolyard programs have faced. Find more information and register here.

November 2 | 12:00 pm EST

Wildfire and Prescribed Fire on Your Property 

This program will discuss activities landowners can implement to prevent and prepare for a wildfire on their property. Additionally, what to expect when a wildfire is on your property, how you can help responders during the fire and what happens next after the fire is controlled. Finally, the program will close with information to know about prescribed burning and professionals who can assist you.

Funding Opportunities

USDA Announces $188M Investment in Forestry Legacy Program

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Legacy Program (FLP)will invest $188 million dollars towards conserving some of the nation's most economically and ecologically significant forestlands. The FLP, administered by the US Forest Service (USFS) in coordination with state forestry agencies, protects environmentally significant forest areas that are otherwise threatened by conversion to non-forest use. By helping to prevent the loss and fragmentation of working forests, the program encourages sustainable forest management and supports sustainable markets for forest products. The FLP has two funding sources, Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) allocated by Congress and funding that has been made available through the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). As a result, there are now two separate annual application cycles for LWCF and IRA funding. To learn more about the FLP program and access the funding announcements click here. For a complete list of fiscal year 2023 projects, or to learn how states can apply for fiscal year 2024 funding, click here. 

SFI Announces 2023 Community Grants to Promote Forest-Focused Collaboration

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative has recently announced the 2023 community grants to support local communities. The 16 new grants represent a record-breaking number of projects supported and more than $215,000 in total funding. These grants are used to support local communities’ understanding of the value and benefits of sustainably managed forests. The grants are awarded to collaborative community-based projects, activities, or events that support SFI’s efforts to connect communities to forests. More information about the grants can be found here. 

NIHHIS FY2024 Funding Opportunity

The Climate Program Office (CPO) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in partnership with the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and the Department of Commerce is seeking applications for two individual competitions in FY24 to set up two new National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) Centers of Excellence. Letters of intent are due on Monday, August 14 at 5 p.m. ET. Full applications are due on October 16 at 5 p.m. ET. To learn more about this funding opportunity, and application procedure, click here.

DOI Slip-On Tankers Grant Request for Information

The Department of the Interior (DOI) Interior Business Center has recently put out a Request for Information (RFI) and a Notice of Intent (NOI) regarding a requirement for wildland firefighting slip-on tankers. Eligibility is restricted to entities that provide fire protection and other emergency services in support of local governments or Tribes needing slip-on tankers to improve the wildland firefighting readiness for their area of protection and service a location with a population of 25,000 or less. All interested parties needing one or more slip-on tankers are requested to reply to the announcement by October 9, 9:00 am EST. The purpose of the RFI and NOI is to gather comments and overall feedback on the scope and approach of this effort from interested parties that have a need for slip-on tankers.

USFS Seeking Applications Under CWDG Program Second Round 

The United States Forest Service (USFS) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for funding through Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program (second round) from the units of local governments, Native tribes, non-profit organizations, state forestry agencies, and Alaska native corporations. The program is authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and prioritizes at-risk communities in an area identified as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential, are low-income or have been impacted by a severe disaster that affects the risk of wildfire. The program provides funding to communities for two primary purposes: to develop and revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) and implement projects described in a CWPP that is less than ten years old. To apply, follow the instructions in the Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and use the grant opportunity number specific to your notice by finding the specific NOFO here. The interested parties are encouraged to visit the CWDG Dashboard for more information and links on the datasets used to determine whether the community is eligible or gets priority for this funding. Applicants must register on the System for Award Management which will generate a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Creating a SAM registration may take several weeks or more to complete. Therefore, ensure application for SAM registration is done promptly. There are several webinars to assist the application process. Register for the relevant webinar by visiting the CWDG program at the USDA website. Webinar recordings will be made available soon after the webinars for those unable to attend one of the live offerings, check back on this website for more information. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm Eastern time on October 31, 2023. To learn more about this funding opportunity, click here.

USDA Announces Funding for Conservation Innovation Grants

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the availability of $65 Million in funding through two funding opportunities for new tools, approaches, practices, and technology to further natural resource conservation on private lands through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. CIG is a competitive grant program that addresses the nation’s water quality and quantity, air quality, soil health, wildlife habitat challenges, and improving agricultural operations. Of the two funding opportunities, $50 Million is available through CIG On-Farm Trials and $15 Million through CIG Classic. CIG On-Farm Trials projects feature collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement on-the-ground conservation activities and then evaluate their impact. Strong consideration will be given to proposals that include Historically Underserved entities and individuals. Applications are now being accepted and are due by October 30. To learn more, click here.

Job Opportunities

Assistant Professor of Forest Management and Forestry Extension – University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas Research & Extension is searching for an Assistant/Associate Professor of Forest Management and Forestry Extension in their Division of Agriculture. This is a faculty, non-tenure position. This role is expected to liaise with public and private forest organizations to provide Arkansas with research-based programs that meet the needs of the state. They will report to the Director of Forest Resources Center and will partner with research and teaching faculty at the college. A minimum of a Ph.D. in a natural resource-related field with at least one degree in forestry or forest management is required. This position was posted on August 14. More information and the application can be accessed here.

Forest Economist I – Texas A&M Forest Service

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a full-time Forest Economist I as part of their Department of Forest Economics and Resource Analysis in College Station, TX. This position will be a part of an integrated team that works to deliver tools and information to support the agency’s mission of ensuring the state's trees, forests and related natural resources are protected and sustained for the benefit of all Texans. Some responsibilities include analyzing Forest Inventory Analysis and other forest resource data, collecting and providing data on the key elements of the timberland property tax formula, monitoring the forest products market and publishing bi-mnothy and annual reports, and more. This position is primarily office-based, but some fieldwork can be expected. A Masters in Forestry or closely related natural resource field and a proficiency in analyzing FIA data and other forest resource data is required. This job was posted on August 11. The application can be found here.

Wood Utilization & Marketing Specialist – Texas A&M Forest Service

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a full-time Wood Utilization and Marketing Specialist as part of their Forest Analytics Department in Lufkin, Texas. This position will be a part of an integrated team that works to deliver tools and information to support the agency’s mission of ensuring the state's trees, forests and related natural resources are protected and sustained for the benefit of all Texans. This position is primarily office-based, but some fieldwork can be expected. Some job responsibilities include maintaining working relationships with wood-using industries and consumers, coordinating and administering annual timber harvest and production surveys, conducting training programs, and more. An undergraduate degree in forestry with three years of experience is required. This position was posted on August 11. More information and the application can be found here. 

Forestry Extension Instructor – University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is looking for a full-time, non-tenure Forest Extension Instructor to be based in Monticello as part of the Department of Forest Resources. Job responsibilities include the production of extension publications on forestry and natural resources, maintaining consistent social media presence, performance of demonstrations to support educational programs, and liaising with public and private forest organizations to provide Arkansas with research-based programs that meet the needs of the state. A minimum qualification of a Master's degree in a natural resource-related field with at least one degree in forestry is required. This job was posted on August 15. More information and the application can be found here.  

Open Extension Faculty Positions at Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University (MSU) Department of Forestry has two faculty positions open and will accept applications until they are filled. Both positions are full-time, 12-month, tenure-track, and located on the Starkville campus:

1. Assistant Professor (Forest Resource Economics)
2. Assistant/Associate Professor (Forest Ecosystem Productivity Extension)

Individual job information can be accessed by clicking on the linked positions above. Detailed job descriptions, required qualifications, anticipated start dates, and application procedures are available on the university career website.

FIA Staff Forester I - Texas A&M Forest Service (Two positions)

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking applications for two full-time permanent FIA Staff Forester I positions for Lufkin, TX, and Henderson, TX locations. The Forester will serve as a forest survey crew leader and be responsible for the survey program in the assigned region. The duties include investigating land ownership in the tax office, contacting landowners, locating field plots, collecting and transmitting forest survey data, and achieving production goals. The work experience and skills requirement include strong dendrology and vegetation inventory knowledge and must have sound communication, organization, and documentation skills. A bachelor’s degree in forestry with an emphasis in Forest Management or a closely related degree program is required. The position also requires outdoor fieldwork and exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as wind, sunlight, rain, and temperature extremes. The successful candidate must have a valid Texas driver's license and maintain good physical fitness. To learn more about the position based in Lufkin, TX click here, and for the position at Henderson, TX here.

Asst. District Forester/State Forest Program Specialist – TN Dept of Ag

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is looking for an Assistant District Forester/State Forest Program Specialist to manage the state forests within the West Tennessee District to improve the sustainability, health, and diversity of those forests. This is a full-time position located in Henderson County in Lexington, TN. This position leads a team of foresters, forestry technicians and forestry aides to manage forests owned by the Division of Forestry for revenue, demonstration, and multi-use purposes. Responsibilities include planning, program development and implementation, fiscal administration, and direct and indirect supervision. The application closes September 13. More information about this role can be found here. The application portal can be accessed here. 

State Forest Forester Supervisor - Forester III – TN Dept of Ag

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is seeking a State Forest Forester Supervisor in Medon, TN to be located within the West Tennessee District. This position is responsible for implementing forest management activities on 12,754 acres of the Chickasaw State Forest. Responsibilities include planning, program development and implementation, fiscal administration, and supervision of forest technicians and forestry aides. The application closes September 13. More information about this position can be found here. The application portal can be accessed here.

Staff Forester/Woodland Ecologist I - Urban & Community Forestry

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a full-time Staff Forester/Woodland Ecologist I - Urban & Community Forestry for its Alpine, TX location. The candidate needs to be a highly motivated, detail-oriented team member with a passion for community forestry and arboriculture. The Staff Forester / Woodland Ecologist will provide leadership to municipalities, non-profits, planning groups, and other community forestry stakeholders in the West Texas/Trans-Pecos region to help build sustainable programs that ensure healthy trees and forests. This job may require exposure to adverse weather conditions such as wind, sunlight, rain, and temperature extremes as well as frequent job stress from various project deadlines, frequent travel, and long hours. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture, or other related fields. Two or more years of experience in urban forestry, land management, conservation, or hydrology is a preferred qualification. For a detailed job description, qualifications, and application procedure, click here.

FIA Analyst- USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station

(Two positions)

USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program is seeking applications for two permanent positions in its Analysis Team. The FIA Analyst serves in a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Work Unit which is one of four FIA Units across the country. The job role includes designing and implementing cutting-edge forest and vegetation reporting on FIA’s inventory with huge potential for innovation. To learn more about the job roles and responsibility, qualifications to apply and application procedure, click here to access the job circular.

National Agroforestry Center Technical Assistance & Science Delivery Fellow

The National Agroforestry Center is advertising for a full-time Technical Assistance and Science Delivery Fellow. Funding is available for two years and candidates need a PhD or Masters degree. Collaborate with the National Agroforestry Center Technical Assistance and Outreach team to aggregate existing training materials related to the establishment and management of agroforestry practices, including presentations, webinars, publications, tools, and other resources; Develop new agroforestry training resources to address gaps related to establishing agroforestry practices through USDA programs, managing agroforestry systems using the best available science, and other key topics. Interact with partners at other state and federal agencies, universities, non-profits, and other organizations working to advance training for technical assistance providers to share resources and leverage complementary training efforts.

Reforestation Forester (2 Positions) – Sierra Pacific Industries

Sierra Pacific Industries is looking to hire two individuals as Reforestation Foresters with one position based in Sonora, CA and the other in Camino, CA. Some responsibilities include the implementation of the district reforestation program to establish and manage conifer plantations, preparation and administration of contracts for reforestation activities, and the inspections of reforestation projects. A bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, or related fields in preferred. A California Pest Control Advisors (PCS) license and pesticide California pesticide regulation is also preferred. Both positions were posted on August 23. For more information about the positions, click here for the Sonora position and here for the Camino position.

Area Foresters (2 Positions) – Virginia Department of Forestry

The Virginia Department of Forestry is looking to hire two field foresters in the DOF Five Forks District with a focus in Brunswick County. Foresters will spend most of their time in the woods providing professional forestry assistance and advice to Virginia's forest landowners to support the DOF mission of protecting and developing healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. Some responsibilities include assisting forest landowners with management, evaluating forestland and harvested sites, promoting and assisting with the development of riparian buffer projects, and more. There is no minimum education or experience required. To learn more about these positions, click here.

Forester III – TN Dept of Ag (3 Positions)

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is seeking 3 positions to be filled, 2 in the West Tennessee District and 1 in the Cumberland District. One position will be in Weakley County, one in Henderson County, and one in Polk County. The Area Forester is the Division of Forestry’s field forester. The Area Forester is responsible for all division programs in their area of responsibility. In addition to private forest management, these programs include forest protection and health, water quality, urban forestry and forest industry promotion and assistance. The Area Forester works under the direct supervision of the District Forester. The application portal can be accessed here. 

Assistant Professor or Lecturer of Forestry – Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

The Department of Forest Resources, housed within the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, seeks applicants for an Assistant Professor or Lecturer of Forestry. This is a 10-month, tenure-track position (Assistant Professor rank) or 10-month non-tenure track position (Lecturer rank). The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in support of the BS in Natural Resource Management, which may include Silviculture, Dendrology, Forest Management Planning, Forest Operations, Fire Ecology and Management, or Forest Entomology and Pathology. At the Assistant Professor rank, the candidate will also advise students and student organizations; engage in scholarly activities and engage in service activities. In addition, the successful candidate will work with the community and college on initiatives and activities that enhance the student learning experience and community relationships and promote student engagement. Specific assignments will depend on the successful candidate’s experience and area of interest. To learn more or apply, click here. 

Upcoming Events

September 6-8 | Aberdeen, NC

Longleaf 101–North Carolina

The Longleaf Alliance in partnership with the North Carolina Forest Service and North Carolina Tree Farm Program presents this three-day training from September 6-8, 2023. The training will provide both classroom and field learning on different aspects of the longleaf pine plantation management. To learn more, click here.

September 7-8 | Raleigh, NC

4th Annual Great NC Tree Conference

Learn how arborists, urban foresters, landscape architects and planners can incorporate trees into climate-change resiliency planning and implementation projects. Regardless of your role in urban forest protection and management, it is necessary to understand the role trees across our state play in combating rising temperatures, increasing precipitation and declining biodiversity. To learn more, click here.

September 9 | Winchester, VA

VT Christmas Tree Growers Meeting

Kyle Peer, Superintendent - Reynolds Homestead Forest Resources Research Center, and Ryan Clouse, grower of Clouse’s Pine Hill Farm, will discuss getting started with Christmas tree production. The topics include seedling selection, planting techniques, farm layout, and shearing. We will also discuss applying pesticides and herbicides safely. This is a hands-on workshop with indoor and outdoor sessions, wear appropriate footwear and bring work gloves. Please pre-register by September 4. Click here to register. 

September 11 -13 | Atlanta, GA

Advancing Mass Timber Construction 2023

Advancing Mass Timber Construction returns for the fourth year in September 2023 to help new and experienced players from across the supply chain uncover the latest innovations and best practices in mass timber project delivery. This is a unique chance to join dozens of trailblazing developers, designers, contractors and manufacturers. To learn more, click here.

September 12 | Wetumpka, AL

Chainsaw Safety & Tree Pruning Techniques

Dr. Beau Brodbeck, Certified Arborist and Extension Specialist will be our presenter. With fall and winter as the best time of year to do major tree pruning and the time of year to gather firewood, Beau will teach proper pruning techniques for continued tree health and how to keep you safe while using a chainsaw. This program is FREE and available for everyone. Water will be provided and bring a sack lunch to enjoy while you listen and learn! The program begins 1:00 pm EST (12:00 pm CDT). To register, click here. 

September 12-13 | Statesboro, GA

Pine Straw Production - Stand Management and Economics

Many forest landowners and land managers are interested in managing their longleaf or slash pine stands for pine straw. This course will provide information necessary to effectively manage pine stands for pine straw. Register for this course online. 

September 15 | Online

National Firewood Bank Summit

The National Wood Bank Project is hosting a national summit to unite firewood banks from across the country. The summit will hear from wood bank volunteers, build a support network, and get new ideas for running effectively and efficiently in the future. More information and registration can be found here.

September 15 | Waynesboro, VA

2023 Waynesboro Tree Care Workshop

Trees Virginia (Virginia’s Urban Forest Council) in collaboration with Waynesboro Parks & Recreation is hosting the workshop for awareness building on the ecological, economic, and social values of trees in urban settings.

September 15 | Online

National Firewood Bank Summit

The National Wood Bank Project is hosting a national summit to unite firewood banks from across the country. The summit will hear from wood bank volunteers, build a support network, and get new ideas for running effectively and efficiently in the future. More information and registration can be found here.

September 15 | New Haven, CT

2023 Hixon Center Urban Conference

The USDA Forest Service in partnership with the Hixon Center for Urban Ecology at Yale University, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, and the Natural Areas Conservancy hosting the 10th annual Hixon Center Urban Conference on September 15 at the Yale School of the Environment, New Haven, CT. In-person registration is limited, so register as soon as possible. To learn more and register, click here.

September 15-16 | Lexington, KY

The 40th Anniversary of the Kentucky Wood Expo

Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) will host the 40th anniversary of the Kentucky Wood Expo at Masterson Station Park. The event will showcase the updated forestry equipment as well as forestry products and service providers. To learn more, click KFIA’s website here.

Sept 16 - Nov 9 | Virginia

Generation NEXT Workshops

Generation NEXT is hosting a workshop to provide free legal information and landowner stories about successful estate planning and strategies. Full workshops will take place in Charlottesville and Chatham, Virginia, with a mini workshop in Richmond. Charlottesville will take place on September 16, Chatham on October 20-21, and Richmond on November 9. Speakers include legal and financial experts experienced in estate planning, as well as natural resource professionals and landowners. Registration can be completed online or by mail. More information and registration can be found here.

September 22 | Fredericksburg, VA

Tree Steward Symposium 2023

For more information, click here. The detailed agenda will be available soon at this link. For more information, please contact TREES VIRGINIA.

September 23 | DeSoto National Forest, MS

National Deer Association Working for Wildlife Tour

The National Deer Association (NDA) is hosting two workshops– one in Mississippi focused on wildlife habitat and one in Kentucky focused on white oak restoration. The event in Mississippi will take place the morning of September 23 in DeSoto National Forest and Leaf River WMA. The goal of this event is for wildlife tree establishment, food plot seeding, and invasive plant removal with the goals of reducing non-natives, improving natural forage and hunting, and increasing biodiversity.Both events will begin with United States Forest Service (USFS) staff detailing background information about the location and project. To find out more about these events, click here.

September 25 | Columbus, GA

Georgia Prescribed FIre Council Annual Meeting

The Georgia Prescribed Fire Council is hosting its annual meeting in Columbus, GA at the National Infantry Museum. This meeting will cover many aspects of prescribed fire. Registration is now open and can be accessed here.

September 25-27 | Morgantown, WV

Forest Carbon Management in Central Appalachia

Join 150-200 academics, extension agents, foresters, and other stakeholders for a multi-disciplinary and collaborative conference where we will discuss and synthesize the latest research, as well as current and emerging challenges, of the carbon market. To learn more, click here.

October 3| Statesboro, GA

Forest Herbicide Meeting

There is no fee for this half-day forestry meeting. Register by September 26, 2023 – a minimum of 15 registrations are needed to hold the meeting. Cont. Forestry Education, Cont. Logger Education and GA Pesticide Credits are being applied. To register, contact Debbie Miracle.

October 4-5 | Atlanta, GA

Understanding Heirs' Property at the Community Level Train-the-Trainer Workshop

The train-the-trainer workshop is designed for land-grant professionals who will, in turn, use the materials to provide training to families and communities in their home states. Please feel free to share this with other LGU professionals. October 4 is a full day and October 5 will end at 3:00 pm. To learn more, contact Rachel Welborn.

October 4-6 | Louisville, KY

2023 NHLA Annual Convention

The National Hardwood Lumber Association is going to celebrate the 125 in Louisville, Kentucky, from October 4 – October 6 at the Omni Louisville Hotel. The event is full of industry-specific education, dynamic speakers, hands-on demonstrations, companies exhibiting the latest tech, products, and offerings for hardwood business, networking events, and opportunities to meet new connections. To learn more or to register, click here.

October 4-7 | Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

The 3rd World Conference on Forests for Public Health

The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) and two universities from Canada are organizing the conference. The conference organizers welcome abstracts on environmental health epidemiology, global public health issues related to greenspaces, mental and public health benefits of exposure to natural spaces, urban forestry, and more. Abstracts are due by April 30, 2023. To learn more about the conference, click here.

October 8-12 | Veneto Region of Italy

IUFRO Extension & Knowledge Exchange Meeting & Conference

The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) Extension and Knowledge Exchange (EKE) is hosting a 2023 Working Party Meeting and Conference. To submit an abstract, click here. To access the IUFRO EKE page, click here.

October 14 | Daniel Boone National Forest, KY

National Deer Association Working for Wildlife Tour

. The National Deer Association (NDA) is hosting two workshops– one in Mississippi focused on wildlife habitat and one in Kentucky focused on white oak restoration. The Kentucky workshop will be held October 14 in the Daniel Boone National Forest. At this event, participants will collect white oak acorns that will be used for a local reforestation project at a later date. Both events will begin with United States Forest Service (USFS) staff detailing background information about the location and project. To find out more about these events, click here for Kentucky. 

October 19-20| Pensacola Beach, FL

Gulf Partnership Conference 2023

This is the annual conference for land conservation practitioners from the public and private sectors across the Gulf region for learning exchange exploring and networking. To learn more about that conference, click here.

October 25-27 | Duluth, MN

Midwest Climate Resilience Conference

The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) is hosting the Minnesota Climate Adaptation Conference, which is designed to bring together representatives from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to inspire and enable climate adaptation in communities throughout Minnesota. The conference offers 5 concurrent tracks for a total of 8 training and workshops, 15 symposia, 5 lightning talk sessions, 10 oral presentation sessions, and a poster session. Please reach out to Amanda Farris for any questions. To learn more, click here.

October 25-28 | Sacramento, CA

National Society of American Foresters Convention

The National Society of American Foresters (SAF) convention will be held October 25-28, in Sacramento, CA. The convention is a mix of presentations, lightning presentations, workshops, posters, and more. For more information, click here.

October 29-31 | Montgomery, AL

The 81st Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC)

PAWC brings together industry, academic, and outreach personnel from all over the United States to share their knowledge and network. The three-day conference will have many plenaries and break-out sessions on the future of agriculture as well as related field visits. Anyone working or interested in the agricultural industry can join the conference. To learn more, stay updated, and register, visit the conference website.

November 7-10 | Nairobi, Kenya

International Congress of Planted Forests

The European Institute of Planted Forests and partners are organizing the 5th International Congress on Planted Forests (ICPF) for Nov. 7-10, 2023, at the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) campus in Nairobi, Kenya. To learn more about the congress, click here.

November 16 | Tamassee, SC

2023 SC Shortleaf Conference

The SC Forestry Commission will be hosting our first-ever shortleaf conference this November at the agency's Piedmont Forestry Center near Tamassee for the landowners and foresters in upstate South Carolina. The conference topics include shortleaf pine's fire resistance, timber potential, and suitability for wildlife habitat enhancement. Registration opens on August 15. To learn more, contact Carla Castro at SC Forestry Commission. 

December 4-8 | Monterey, CA

10th International Fire Congress

The Association for Fire Ecology (AFE) in cooperation with the California Fire Science Consortium is hosting the 10th International Fire Ecology and Management Congress in Monterey, California on December 4-8, 2023. The event will include workshops, field trips, three full days of presentations, group discussions around the theme, and networking opportunities. To learn more about the fire congress, and abstract submissions, click here.

December 11-12 | Athens, GA

14th Southern Forestry and Natural Resource Management GIS Conference

The University of Georgia and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources are inviting researchers and professionals in forestry and natural resource management to a conference devoted to issues and advances in the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and related mapping and spatial technologies. A call for presenters and posters is now available. Click here to learn more.

February 20-22 | Turrialba, Costa Rica

18th North American Agroforestry Conference (NAAC)

The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), an international institute for agricultural development and biological conservation in Central America and the Caribbean will host the 18th NAAC. To learn more about this event, click here.

April 14-19 | Albuquerque, NM

National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration (NCER)

The Society of Ecological Restoration and University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF IFAS) are jointly sponsoring the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration (NCER) on April 14-19, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. NCER is a premier gathering of ecosystem restoration professionals that brings together scientists, engineers, policy makers, planners, and partners from across the United States. The deadline for abstract submission is September 1, 2023. Click here to learn more.