Webinar Spotlight ⭐

EDEN Professional Development Webinar

Join this webinar to learn how North Carolina State Extension agents continue to support communities recovering from Hurricane Helene and an update on the wildfires devastating much of North Carolina.

Auburn University International Conference on Forest Carbon and Resilience

The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) International Conference on Forest Carbon and Resilience (ICFCR) will be hosted at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center in Auburn, Alabama, from September 29-October 2. The theme of this conference is forest-based carbon sequestration and forest resilience to changing environments and disturbance regimes. Additionally, the conference will include a diverse range of topics such as forest carbon markets and programs, forest carbon measurements, forest management for carbon sequestration, forest resistance, forest deterioration, and much more. Several registration options are available including optional field trips, single and multi-day tickets, and student tickets. Learn more and register here.

Texas A&M Forest Service Releases 2024 Annual Report

Texas A&M has released its annual report for the 2024 fiscal year, highlighting the agency’s impact on the state of Texas. The annual report focuses on the conservation, protection, and leadership efforts within the agency. The agency’s conservation efforts include producing enough seeds to plant 246 million seedlings, planting over 57 thousand trees, and assisting over 26.6 million Texans. The agency’s key protection efforts focused on wildfire responses. The agency responded to a little over five thousand fires, saving $569 million in property value. Finally, the agency provided statewide leadership and technical assistance to local governments and non-profit organizations for community forestry grant projects. Click here to download the annual report. Read more about the highlights in this report here.

UT Extension Compiles Flood-Related Resources

The University of Tennessee (UT) Extension and other partner organizations across the state have compiled a list of resources to assist individuals, families, and producers who have been impacted by recent flooding events. These resources include information about replacement and short-term Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance programs, animal and livestock related resources, unemployment resources, and much more. Several of these resources are also available in Spanish. Access UT Extension’s list here.

Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions Tool

Developed by the Climate and Energy Policy Lab at Georgia Tech, the Drawdown Georgia Solutions Tracker interactive tool provides county-level data across Georgia on 16 different climate solutions, including energy-efficient transportation, solar power, composting, and more. Each dashboard in the Tracker features two interactive maps: 1) a map displaying the prevalence of the solution and 2) a map displaying a comparison variable chosen by researchers to reflect infrastructure or demographic conditions that affect a solution’s adoption including median income and urban area percentage. Additionally, a companion report, the Climate Solutions Report, leverages data from the Tracker to provide a snapshot of Georgia's best-performing climate solutions and communities. Access the tool here. Drawdown Georgia is a nonprofit that’s goal is to accelerate Georgia’s progress towards net zero carbon emissions. Learn more about Drawdown Georgia’s other tools here.

Report Compares Oklahoma and North Carolina Prescribed Fire Networks

A recent study by Oklahoma State University compares the characteristics of prescribed fire networks utilized in Oklahoma and North Carolina using government and nonprofit organizational actors as the units of analysis. A social network analysis (SNA) was used to characterize and compare the structure of networks of organizations implementing prescribed fire including their members’ social capital (a measure of tangible and intangible benefits from personal connections). The study results indicate that both networks are structured similarly, but the composition of actor groups as well as prominence of certain actor types are different. The researchers believe that the information presented in this report may be useful for adapting similar state networks or determining how to improve the performance of existing networks. To read the article, click here.

NCSU Article Details Emphasizes Heirs Property Planning

North Carolina State University (NCSU) Extension recently released an article summarizing a series of factsheets about North Carolina heirs’ properties, land that is passed down through generations without formal title transfers, often leading to divided ownership of the property. The article covers North Carolina laws regarding heirs’ properties, the disadvantages of heirs’ properties such as unclear ownership division among heirs and financial aid limitations, a case study, steps for legacy planning like creating a will and record keeping, hiring an attorney, and more. Additionally, the article provides a list of key terms with definitions and answers frequently asked questions. Read the article here.

Mississippi Forest Landowner Management Plan Tool

The Mississippi Landscape Management Plan (MS LMP) is a tool to help Mississippi forest landowners achieve their goals for their property. Written management plans are required for various programs including federal cost-share programs and the Tree Farm certification. This tool is designed to be a streamlined one-stop shop that will provide much of the basic information required, like soils, endangered species habitat, historic sites, and the like, which requires querying numerous separate databases and information sources. Additionally, the Mississippi Forestry Association (MFA) has created a “Landowner’s Guide to Working with a Forester” resource to further assist Mississippi landowners with connecting with a forester. To access these resources, click here.

NCSU Factsheet Highlights the Importance of Pine Genetics in Seedling Selection

A recent publication on North Carolina State University (NCSU) Extension explains the importance of genetically improved seedlings in modern forestry operations. The factsheet explains how variable different growing regions are in temperature in the Southeast, and how understanding the land is paramount to the success of a pine stand. Since loblolly pines tend to grow best in the piedmont and coastal regions, a sapling’s cold hardiness will determine its growth for its entire life. The publication describes how exploring pine genetics and regional ecosystems will be of great aid to forestry success. Read the article here.

Minimum Acreage for Florida Forest Stewardship Program Enrollment Decreased

The Forest Stewardship Program, an assistance program of the Florida Forest Service, seeks to help private landowners address the improvement and maintenance of timber, wildlife, soil and water, recreation, aesthetics and forage resources. The Florida Forest Service has adjusted the minimum acreage required to enroll in the Forest Stewardship Program from 20 to 10 acres in order to provide stewardship assistance opportunities to a larger number of private landowners in Florida. For more information about the Program, see the Forest Stewardship Program website on the Florida Forest Service’s website here.

VT-USFS Share February 2024 Housing Reports

Virginia Tech (VT), Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) produce a free monthly report on the state of the housing market and more. The reports are intended to help gauge future business activity. Topics covered include (but are not limited to) new housing starts, housing scorecards, housing under construction, new housing sales, construction sales, etc. All past housing reports are archived here. The main section and table of contents for the most recent report can be found here, and the economic conditions section can be found here.

USDA Updates Rural Typology for 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) has updated its county typologies for 2025. These county typologies consist of a set of Economic Typology Codes based on the industrial composition of nonmetropolitan counties and a set of Demographic Typology Codes based on demographic characteristics that are often of interest to rural policymakers and researchers. The two types of Economic Typology Codes are the High Industry Concentration codes, which highlight counties with a high share of jobs or earnings in one or more specific industries, and Industry Dependence Codes, which assigns a dominant industry per county based on overall economic reliance. The six Demographic Typology Codes are low post-secondary education, low employment, population loss, housing stress, retirement destination, and persistent poverty. The typology codes have been updated almost every decade since the 1980s. To access the 2025 and previous typology codes, click here.

Cornell Laboratory Releases Online Resources on all things Related to Bird Nesting

The Cornell Bird Laboratory has a website called “NestWatch” with information on just about any topic related to bird nesting structures, including nest structure designs, proper placement and spacing, and maintenance. The site includes resources with ample instructions, tips and graphics to aid in facilitating bird nesting. It covers predators, competition, and a trouble shooting guide to make assisting our feathery friends even easier. What’s more, there is a tool called “Right Bird, Right House” that allows you to make searches based on region and general habitat. NestWatch can be accessed here.

New Study Provides Insights into the Structure, Function & Impacts of PBAs Nationwide

A new study in the International Journal of Wildland Fire documents the expansion of Prescribed Burn Association (PBA ), and provides insights into their structure, function and impacts. PBAs have been shown to be successful in expanding the use of prescribed fire by their members as well as increasing the public’s understanding. Leaders of over 135 known PBAs were surveyed to better understand the social aspects of PBAs. Survey results showed that these locally led, volunteer-run associations have been successful at broadening access to the use of prescribed fire as a management tool’ and that the PBAs also provided tools and equipment for burns. Overall, this study provides information that documents how PBAs function across the country and a better understanding of their impacts. Read the published paper here.

FWS and NMFS are Accepting Public Commentary for Endangered Species Act Proposed Change

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations. The term ‘harm,” is presently defined as act that kills or injures wildlife, including significant habitat modification or degradation that will significantly impairing the species’ essential behaviors. As a result of this proposal, FWS and NMFS are accepting public commentary that must be received by May 19, 2025. Commentary can be submitted here. The official proposal for the change can be found here.

American Hardwood Export Council Trade Update Following EU’s Tariffs

The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has recently released a trade update analysis following the European Union’s (EU) proposed response to U.S. tariffs. The analysis indicates that approximately 10% of U.S. hardwood exports to the EU will be affected by the 25% retaliatory tariff, a lower percentage than earlier EU proposals. Products such as, but not limited to, ash, maple, cherry, and birch lumber will be subject to this tariff, accounting for roughly $37-$340 million in annual U.S. hardwood exports to the EU. The tariffs are set to begin on July 14, 2025. Additionally, AHEC has released an analysis and tariff spreadsheet with EU import and export data from 2022-2024 that can be downloaded here. Read the trade update analysis from AHEC here. The EU’s proposal can be found here.

May 6 | 2:00PM

Tribal Climate Resilience Webinar Series: Session 2

May 8 | 3:00PM

Climate-Smart Agriculture & Livestock Practices - Carbon Sequestration & Credits

May 13 | 1:00PM

EDEN Professional Development Webinar

Join this webinar to learn how North Carolina State Extension agents continue to support communities recovering from Hurricane Helene and an update on the wildfires devastating much of North Carolina. Register here.

May 21 | 11:30AM

American Forest Congress: Reforestation

May 21 | 3:00PM

ANREP Annual Online Meeting and Awards Ceremony

May 21 | 3:00PM

Wildfire Advancing Science Partnerships for Indoor Reductions of Smoke Exposures (ASPIRE) Study

This webinar will cover a multifaceted study done by Environmental protection Agency (EPA) researchers. This study examined wildfire smoke indoor air quality impacts in public spaces and innovative approaches to reduce wildfire smoke indoors. Register for the webinar here.

May 29 | 12:00PM

Urban Forest Inventory Analysis Training

Join Texas A&M for a free online webinar to explore the power of My City’s Trees and Urban Forest Stats. The webinar will also include a communications training component, offering practical guidance on how to talk about and advocate for UFIA data. You will gain tools to help share the story trees tell in our communities and make a stronger case for urban forestry in your city. To register, click 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

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.

Private Forest Lands Coordinator (West Boylston, MA)

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts is seeking qualified individuals to apply for a Private Forest Lands Coordinator position. The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning, implementation, and coordination of regulatory, educational publications and programs, and forest policy on the 2.4 million acres of private and municipal forest land in the Commonwealth and has the primary responsibility of program guidelines and implementation of the business and private landowner incentive portion of Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative which expands the breadth and scope of the former position. The minimum qualification for this position is five years of full-time experience or a combination of education and experience. Apply and learn more 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.

Norfolk Southern’s New Community Disaster Relief Grant Program

To support communities effected by recent storms in the south and Midwest, Norfolk Southern, a major freight railroad company, has launched a new Community Disaster Relief Grant Program. This program will provide up to $250,000 to non-profits that are assisting residents in Norfolk Southern’s operating areas affected by the recent weather event. Non-profits are encouraged to apply by submitting how they are responding to the storm. Learn more and apply here.

May 12-14 | Pittsburgh, PA

National Adaptation Forum

May 14 | Bakersville, NC

Hurricane Helene Forest Recovery Workshop

North Carolina State Extension Forestry is presenting this free workshop. Topics addressed will include taxes and investment decisions in the wake of Hurricane Helene, cost share opportunities and resources available for recovery, forest management after Hurricane Helene, fire prevention and FireWise after Hurricane Helene. Learn more here.

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 17 | Spring Grove, VA

Deer Associations’ Learn and Burn

This course will allow students to learn about the history, benefits, planning, preparation, and implementation of prescribed fire by participating in a live burn, weather permitting. To register, click here.

May 19 | Vienna, Austria

International Conference on Blended Learning in Forestry Education

This international event gathers educators, experts, multipliers, and policymakers to explore innovative approaches and future directions in digital forestry education. To learn more and register, click here.

May 20-23 | Minneapolis, MN

SFI Annual Conference

May 30-31 | Abingdon, VA

Southwest Virginia - Beginning Woodland Owner Retreat

This retreat geared towards landowners who are new to forest management. The retreat will provide information on hardwood and pine forest management, legacy planning, management planning, and more. Registration can be found 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

June 8-9 | Charleston, WV

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

This 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. Fill out the registration form here. Learn more about this project here.

June 9-11 | Clemson, SC

Timber Design Faculty Development Workshop

June 9-11 | Omaha, NE

Sustainable Fuels Summit

The Sustainable Fuels Summit: SAF, Renewable Diesel, and Biodiesel is a premier forum designed for producers of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to learn about cutting-edge process technologies, innovative techniques, and equipment to optimize existing production. Register and learn more here.

June 13 | Brookshire, TX

Habitat at Home: Brookshire

This event offers wildlife and habitat management recommendations suitable for properties of various sizes and engages conservation-minded homeowners and landowners across Texas. Register here.

June 27 | Weatherford, TX

Habitat at Home: Weatherford

This event offers wildlife and habitat management recommendations suitable for properties of various sizes and engages conservation-minded homeowners and landowners across Texas. Register here.

July 15-18 | Washington DC

The American Forest Congress Meeting

July 18 | Farmersville, TX

Habitat at Home: Farmersville

This event offers wildlife and habitat management recommendations suitable for properties of various sizes and engages conservation-minded homeowners and landowners across Texas. Register here.

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

September 29-October 2 | Auburn, AL

2025 International Conference on Forest Carbon & Resilience

The purpose of this conference is to expand knowledge within the areas of forest-based carbon and resilience, the role of forests and forest products in carbon storage and sequestration and the resistance, adaptation and resilience of forests in changing environments. The theme of this conference is forest-based carbon sequestration and forest resilience to changing environments and disturbance regimes. For more information, click here.

October 1-3 | San Antonio, TX

NHLA Annual Convention and Exhibit Showcase

Join industry leaders, experts, and innovators at this convention for a chance to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge products, and discover the latest technologies in hardwood. Learn more and register 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