Webinar Spotlight ⭐

The Health Parameters of Wildland Firefighting and Cultural Burning

This webinar shares original ethnographic research by Dr. Hawkins. Beginning with an exploration of the health parameters of wildland firefighting in North Carolina, Dr. Hawkins then does a deeper exploration specifically of the role of cultural burning in the state, focused on the Lumbee Indian experience.

MSU Wood Identification App Adds New Features

WhatWood?, an interactive pocket guide app for identifying woods with a magnifying glass, has release a new version for identifying Ghanaian woods. Originally developed by Mississippi State University (MSU) to identify wood species from Central America, the new version provides detailed species descriptions for 110 Ghanaian wood species. The app features an interactive identification key, an illustrated introduction to anatomical wood identification including a step-by-step guide to specimen preparation and hand lens technique, and two quiz modes to improve users’ skill in recognizing anatomical features. WhatWood? is a field tool for timber inspectors, customs officers, and hobbyists interested in wood identification. The app is available on iOS, here, and Google Play, here.

Assoc. of Natural Resources Extension Professionals Award Recipients

The Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP) has announced the winners of its 2025 awards program. The ANREP Awards Program’s goal is to foster high standards within the membership, recognize significant achievement, and expand the use of high quality, innovative materials and programs by honoring the outstanding members and partners who developed them. The two major award categories are 1) the Outstanding Educational Materials Awards and 2) Achievement Awards. Some of the educational material projects that received a gold award include the Landscape University Annual Webinar Series from the University of Florida (UF) Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and the publication “Great Lakes Almanac to Invasive Crayfish,” from Michigan State University Extension. Achievement awards were awarded to extension professionals from Florida, South Carolina, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. Award recipients will be recognized during the ANREP Online Annual Business Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 21 at 3:00 pm Eastern; register here. Download the list of award recipients here.

VA Urban Wood Newsletter

The Virginia Urban Wood Group, in partnership with the Virginia Urban Forest Council, recently published the 25th edition of the VA Urban Wood Group's newsletter. Included in this edition is a story about Bill St. Pierre, a sawmill owner and wood artisan from Floyd, VA who is helping residents of western North Carolina recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. This newsletter is part of the Virginia Urban Wood Group’s efforts to promote sustainable wood reuse and developing markets for urban and small acreage forest products. Read the newsletter here.

Award Applications Open for: Excellence in Extension Engagement Award from JCEP

The “Excellence in Extension Engagement” Award recognizes high-quality, evidence-based Extension work that has documented outstanding outcomes and impacts with clientele and strengthens the Extension profession. The Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) has announced that it is now receiving applications for this award. Applications must include the following: 1) a letter of application by the individual or nominator, 2) two letters of support from a client, peer, supervisor, or director, and 3) the application topic needs to have some currency. Extension professionals, either individuals or teams, are eligible to apply. Applications are due May 31. Application guidelines are available here. The application announcement is here.

Input Needed: Southern Forestry Practices Survey

The Forest Landowners' Association and Auburn University have launched the 2024 Costs and Trends of Southern Forestry Practices Survey. Since 1950, this periodic survey has provided reliable, long-term data on the real costs of forest management practices across the South. The Forest Landowners' Association and Auburn University are seeking input from those who own or manage forestland in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or Virginia. The survey takes 45 minutes or less to complete and will remain open until April 25, 2025. Participation in this survey will help support sound land management decisions and forestry policy development throughout the region. Fill out the survey here.

Southern States’ Deploy Resources to Strengthen Wildfire Response

A recent blog post from the Southern Group of State Foresters (SGSF) emphasizes the importance of mutual wildfire response support among Southern states, highlighting how these efforts strengthen the region’s overall fire response capacity. Agreements between states allow crews and equipment to mobilize quickly when wildfires exceed the capacity of local resources. Recent deployments have supported wildfire response in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. As wildfire activity continues to grow in frequency and intensity, the blog notes that coordinated regional and national deployments will be more essential than ever. Read the blog post here.

Why Prescribed Fire Campaign Promotes Good Fires

Tall Timbers, a research station that focuses on fire-adapted ecosystems and advocates for prescribed fire use, recently released a new prescribed fire messaging video on YouTube. In the video, Josiah Gullatte, Tall Timber’s Prescribed Fire Outreach Coordinator, explains how land managers use prescribed fires to prevent wildfires and enhance wildlife habitat in Albany, GA. The website WhyPrescribedFire.org, associated with Tall Timbers, provides more information about fire in Albany here. This website provides information about prescribed fire across Georgia and Florida including resources for accessing interactive maps of on fires in both states and smoke management tips. To learn more about prescribed fire in Albany, visit WhyPrescribedFire.Org, here. Watch Tall Timber’s YouTube video here.

Research Team Identifies Carbon Modeling Research Needs and Opportunities

Researchers from a mix of organizations spanning the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the National Council for Air & Stream Improvement (NCASI), NASA, the University of Georgia (UGA), University of Maine, University of Utah, University of Indiana, and international partners, in collaboration with over 100 forest carbon modeling experts, have developed a framework to enhance forest carbon decision-making. This framework focuses on refining Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) that utilizes forest ecosystems’ natural ability sequestering carbon to mitigate climate change and providing economic benefits. The researchers identified key research needs, such as forest regeneration and carbon transfer modeling and expressed the potential for integrating emerging data streams, utilizing AI, and enhancing model alignment with new technologies. The publication also outlines seven key steps identified in the study, including defining success criteria, improving data management, and strengthening technical collaborations, which will guide the development of more accurate and precise forest carbon models. Read the publication here.

Family Farm Transformed into Free Public Food Forest

A collaboration between nonprofits and volunteers has turned an old family farm near Atlanta, Georgia, into “The Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill,” which is the largest public food forest in the U.S., offering free healthy food to Atlanta residents. According to The Hearty Soul, a health news source, approximately 500,000 Atlanta residents don’t have reliable access to healthy food because of limited public transportation infrastructure. The Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill features 30 garden beds, over 100 fruit trees, and educational programs on gardening, cooking, and healthy eating, all available for public harvesting and recreational activities. The organizations that contributed to the creation of this food forest are The Conservation Fund, Trees Atlanta, Atlanta's Office of Sustainability and Resilience, and Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation. To read the full news story, published by Yahoo News, click here.

Social Marketing, AI & Forest Landowner Engagement Report

Dovetail Partners, a non-profit that promotes sustainable decisions through research, collaboration, and support for resource-based industries, has recently shared a paper that explores the application of social marketing techniques to forestry, including conservation efforts with family forest landowners. This paper highlights future possibilities for social marketing and social media to advance forestry conservation, outreach, landowner, and community behavioral change efforts. It also examines the role of tools like the Tools for Engaging Landowners Effectively (TELE) program, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and data tracking, and the importance of identifying key audiences for successful outreach strategies in forestry. Download the paper and learn more here.

DOI Releases Its First-Ever Indigenous Knowledge Handbook

The Department of the Interior (DOI) has released its first Indigenous Knowledge Handbook. Indigenous Knowledge, also known as Traditional Knowledge or Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), is described by the handbook as a knowledge system that comprises a deep understanding of landscapes and waterscapes based on interaction, observation, experimentation, and stewardship. This handbook was created for DOI employees involved in decision making, resource management, program implementation, policy development, scientific research, and other actions that involve collaboration with Tribal Nations or Indigenous communities. It provides guidance on understanding and applying Indigenous Knowledge in departmental actions and scientific research, explores the historical disruption of Indigenous Knowledge, and includes a case study on the Alexander Archipelago wolf species status assessment. Read the Indigenous Knowledge Handbook here.

Private Landowners’ Perspectives Wanted for Wildlands AI Rx Fire Research (Survey)

At Ai2, a non-profit AI research institute based in Seattle has a Wildlands team that is working to apply machine learning to support wildland fire management. The team has recently released a survey directed at private landowners to gather information about how they approach prescribed burn planning. The goal of this survey is to better understand the needs and challenges of landowners related to creating burn plans, and to ultimately make the process easier. The survey, found here, is estimated to take only 1-2 minutes to complete. Any questions or feedback back be directed to wildlands-ux@allenai.org. visit the Wildlands team’s website here.

USFS Forest Health- “This is Who We Are” Short Film

The Forest Health Protection (FHP) program, part of the U.S Forest Service (USFS) Research and Development Branch, provides technical assistance on forest health-related matters, particularly those related to disturbance agents such as native and non-native insects, pathogens, and invasive plants. FHP provides forest insect, disease and invasive plant surveys and monitoring information, and technical and financial assistance to prevent, suppress and control outbreaks threatening forest resources. Recently, FHP released a film titled, “Forest Health Protection- This is who we are.” The goal of this film is to foster connections among practitioners and communities through the use of accessible and relatable messaging. Learn more about FHP here. Find the short film here.

i-Tree Tools- Virtual Training Academy Launching Soon

i-Tree has announced its Open Academy virtual learning series for 2025. i-Tree is a free, peer-reviewed software suite developed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) that helps users assess and quantify the environmental and economic benefits of trees to support informed forest management decisions. The virtual learning series serves as both a refresher and an introduction to iTree’s newest tools and features and includes weekly one-hour virtual sessions over a six-week period. All sessions will be recorded and posted to the i-Tree YouTube channel for interested parties that cannot attend the live sessions. Sessions will occur every Wednesday from May 7 – June 11. Fill out the registration form here.

Extension Disaster Education Network-Annual Call for Conference Proposals

The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Annual Conference is open for proposal submissions for oral and poster presentations that address current and emerging issues in disaster education and management to be presented on October 21-24 in Portland, ME. Submissions should demonstrate subject matter importance and expertise in areas such as disaster planning and response, resilience, Cooperative Extension System (CES) initiatives, applied research, and innovative programming. Oral sessions are 35 minutes and posters must be 36x48 inches. Proposals are due by May 21st. Each submission must include presenter information, a 750-word abstract covering topic, methodology, results, and implications, and indicate the presentation type and program area. Learn more and submit a proposal here.

RFF Research Proposes a Solution to Wildfire Air Quality Risks

A new study from Resources for the Future (RFF), published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, explores how the Clean Air Act’s Exceptional Events Rule, which allows states to exempt wildfire smoke when assessing daily air pollution, may be allowing areas to meet air quality standards, despite worsening air conditions. The researchers found that 29% of days with elevated smoke at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors result from fires in other states and 68% is from fires on federal lands. The research team suggests a few policy approaches including revising the EPA’s Exceptional Events Rule to conditionally exclude wildfire smoke from air quality calculations only if states implement and follow best practices, integrating wildfire plans into their Clean Air Act State Implementation Plans (SIPs), and potentially amend the Clean Air Act to more clearly allow prescribed burns to qualify as exceptional events. Read the full publication here.

April 17 | 12:00PM

A History of People, Forests, and Forestry Webinar Series

April 17 | 1:00PM

NOAA Science Seminar: Increasing the educational impacts through citizen science

April 22 | 1:00PM

The Health Parameters of Wildland Firefighting and Cultural Burning

This webinar shares original ethnographic research by Dr. Hawkins. Beginning with an exploration of the health parameters of wildland firefighting in North Carolina, Dr. Hawkins then does a deeper exploration specifically of the role of cultural burning in the state, focused on the Lumbee Indian experience. Register here.

April 22 | 2:00PM

Advancing the monitoring, reporting, and verification of forest carbon offsets

This webinar aims to bring leading experts in the forest carbon space together to not only identify major questions, barriers, and gaps surrounding carbon offsets and natural climate solutions, but to also work to solve the pressing issues of the field. To register click here.

April 23 | 11:30AM

American Forest Congress: Sustainable Forest Products

This webinar is part of a series hosted by the American Forest Congress. Topics to be discussed include: Forest Health & Resilience; Stewardship of Nonfederal Forestlands; Sustainable Forest Products; and Reforestation. Register here.

April 24 | 12:00PM

A History of People, Forests, and Forestry Webinar Series

April 24 | 2:00PM

SCIENCEx Fire: Chapparal Fuels Treatments – Including California and Southwest Ecosystems

April 25 | 12:00PM

Intercultural Leadership Series: Opportunities and Barriers in Florida’s Higher Education for Underserved Children

April 26 | 1:00PM

Building Markets for Urban Wood

Join a team of seasoned urban wood professionals for a discussion about how the Urban Wood Network (UWN) is helping to build markets, and how joining UWN can help to increase urban wood sales and build the urban wood brand. This webinar will also provide a “sneak peek” at a comprehensive set of marketing tools that will be available exclusively to UWN members later this year. Register here.

April 28 | 3:00PM

Radio Success with Marine Science Minute

April 29 | 7:00PM

Missouri Deer Management Webinar Series – What is Quality Deer Management?

Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the National Deer Association (NDA) as they dive into the subject of Quality Deer Management, what it is and how to start implementing it where you hunt. Register here.

May 2 | 1:00PM

Southeast Climate Hub and Resources for Resilient Forestry

This presentation will be an introduction to climate smart forestry. Register here.

May 6 | 2:00PM

Tribal Climate Resilience Webinar Series: Session 2

May 8 | 3:00PM

Climate-Smart Agriculture & Livestock Practices - Carbon sequestration & credits

This webinar will cover monitoring and verification of Climate-Smart agricultural practices, primarily carbon sequestration & carbon credits for farmers. Register here.

May 21 | 11:30AM

American Forest Congress: Reforestation

This webinar is part of a series hosted by the American Forest Congress. Topics to be discussed include: Forest Health & Resilience; Stewardship of Nonfederal Forestlands; Sustainable Forest Products; and Reforestation. Register here.

May 21 | 3:00PM

ANREP Annual Online Meeting and Awards Ceremony

Join the Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP) members via Zoom for this special event. Hear updates about ANREP and recognize the accomplishments awardees from around the nation. Register here.

May 30 | 2:00PM

Intercultural Leadership Series: International Opportunities for Extension Professionals

June 3 | 2:00PM

Tribal Climate Resilience Webinar Series: Session 3

June 24 | 7:00PM

Missouri Deer Management Webinar Series – Forests, Woodlands, and Whitetails

Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the National Deer Association (NDA) as they discuss the fundamental principles of forest and woodland management, and how hunters and landowners can incorporate this into their deer management plan this fall. Register here.

July 1 | 2:00PM

Tribal Climate Resilience Webinar Series: Session 4

September 8 | 1:30PM

Leveraging Podcasts in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communication and Outreach

Digital Forestry Extension Specialist (Purdue Univ.)

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University is seeking a Digital Forestry Extension Specialist. In this role, the successful candidate will develop and implement outreach, demonstration and training programs, using both in-person and virtual formats and a variety of media, on topics including digital forestry and natural resources techniques, equipment, and data management and processing for resource managers and other professional audiences, including extension educators and specialists. This is a 3-year grant funded position through March 31, 2028. The minimum qualification for this position is a master’s degree in forestry or a related field. Apply here.

Forestry Education Coordinator (Oregon State Univ.)

The Division of Extension and Engagement’s Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Extension Program at Oregon State University is seeking a Forestry Education Coordinator. This is a part-time, 12-month, professional faculty position. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and coordinating educational programs that connect people to forestry and the natural world. These efforts will include leading tours and workshops, recruiting and training volunteers, planning outreach events, and designing interpretive materials that promote forestry awareness and natural resource stewardship. The minimum qualification for this position is a bachelor’s degree in a natural science-related field, education, or a closely related field. Apply by April 16th to be considered. Learn more and apply here.

Associate Dean and Director (NCSU Extension)

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University invites applications for the position of Associate Dean and Director, NC State Extension. The Associate Dean and Director leads NC State Extension at the state, regional, national, and international levels. The successful candidate must have a terminal degree in their area of expertise and meet the criteria for tenure as a full professor. Apply and learn more here.

Invasive Species Coordinator (Univ. of Florida)

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Invasive Species Council seeks a detail-oriented and highly organized candidate to lead an interdisciplinary, interagency effort to develop a standardized curriculum for a new tiered training program in invasive plant management. This is a two-year position where the successful candidate will oversee program coordination, support tier leads, collaborate with UF faculty and stakeholders, assess existing resources, and develop new materials as needed. The minimum qualifications for this position are a masters in invasive plant science, forestry, or a related field or a bachelor’s degree in the same fields and 3+ years of experience. Download more information here.

Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Restoration Fund

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) recently release its call for proposals for the 2025 Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Restoration Fund. This funding will award grants ranging between $150K- $1 million to support bottomland hardwood restoration and management, aquatic restoration, and conservation practices on working forest and agricultural lands within the lower Mississippi River alluvial valley. Full proposals are due Thursday, April 24, 2025. Although not required, applicants are encouraged to schedule a virtual meeting with NFWF program staff to discuss project proposals through Microsoft Teams, here. Learn more about this opportunity here.

Longleaf Cost-Share Assistance Applications Now Open

The Forest Landowners Association (FLA) is the only national representative of the economic interests of family forest landowners and their unique natural resource assets. Through funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund, FLA seeks to promote both the economic viability of working forests as well as the biological uniqueness of the longleaf pine region. Through the Longleaf Cost-Share Assistance program, FLA will provide cost share at $50 per acre for establishing new stands of longleaf pine, including site preparation and planting. FLA will provide cost share at $15 per acre for management of existing longleaf pine stands, with priority given to prescribed burning projects. Applications close on May 16th. Access the application form here. View FLA’s application announcement here.

April 14-17 | Annapolis, MD

National Forum on Biological Control

April 15-16 | Gainesville, FL

2025 Spring Symposium: "Landscape and Working Lands Conservation"

April 15-17 | Atlanta, GA

Super South Summit

April 26 | Alachua County, FL

The North Florida Prescribed Burn Association General Meeting

Mr. Matt Corby (Camp Blanding) will speak about the seasonal effects of prescribed fire on pines. Dr. Ludie Bond (Florida Forest Service) will speak about engaging various audiences in prescribed fire. Contact nfpba2017@gmail.com for more details.

April 28-29 | Gainesville, FL

Southeastern Partnership for Forests and Water

Join forest landowners, utilities, conservation groups, state agencies, and other entities and individuals interested in conserving Florida forests and protecting drinking water sources. Register and learn more here.

May 2 | Florence, SC

South Carolina Women Owning Woodlands Workshop

Women Owning Woodlands engages and educates women in the stewardship of land by connecting them to resources and trusted professionals. Natural resource professionals will lead an informal morning session, followed by a tour of forestry practices that are being implemented on Pee Dee Research & Education Center. Learn more and register here.

May 2-3 | Abingdon, VA

Southwest Virginia Woodland Owner Retreats

May 12-14 | Pittsburgh, PA

National Adaptation Forum

May 13 | Athens, GA

Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Tech Solutions for Eastern U.S. Forestry Conference

May 13-21 | Gainesville, FL

Summer School on Ambrosia Symbiosis

May 20-23 | Minneapolis, MN

SFI Annual Conference

Join this event to connect with sustainability leaders and discuss sustainable forest management, supply chain transparency, biodiversity conservation, and more. For registration click here.

June 1-5 | Baton Rouge, LA

International Symposium on Biogeochemistry of Wetlands and Aquatic Systems

June 2-5 | Ames, IA

National Extension Technology Community (NETC) Conference

Attend this conference for a lineup of keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and engaging discussions. This event suits both experts and those new to the field as an opportunity for learning, growth, and networking. Register here.

June 9-11 | Clemson, SC

Timber Design Faculty Development Workshop

July 15-18 | Washington DC

The American Forest Congress Meeting

July 23-25 | Columbia, MO

North American Agroforestry Conference

August 6-8 | Nashville, TN

38th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment EXPO

September 5-6 | Providence Forge, VA

Southeast Virginia Woodland Owner Retreats

September 8-10 | Everett, WA

Joint IUFRO Small Scale Forestry and EKE Conference

September 9-11 | Asheville, NC

Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Symposium

September 18-19 | Hanover, NH

2025 Local Solutions: Bouncing Forward to Create Resilient Communities

The goal of this meeting is to build capacity for socially just and equitable migration and enhanced regional climate resilience. There will be trainings, tours, site visits, networking, and more. To Register click here.

October 23-27 | Lima, Peru

FLARE Annual Meeting

April 13-16, 2026 | Omaha, NE

National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration

May 12-15, 2026 | Wilmington, NC

ANREP Conference

November 7, 2026 | Coimbra, Portugal

International Conference on Forest Fire Research