Webinar Spotlight ⭐

Advancing Women's Leadership in Forestry and Fire Management

Join this 2-hour virtual workshop, which will include panel discussions and offer space for professional connection, mentorship, and reflection.

Texas A&M Hosts Prescribed Burn School

Texas A&M AgriLife will be hosting a three-day long Prescribed Burn School in San Angelo, Texas from July 7th-9th. Upon completion of this burn school, participants will be able to evaluate fuels, describe fire behavior, plan a prescribed burn, identify proper equipment and safety techniques, mitigate smoke impacts, understand Texas laws & regulations, and evaluate potential burn sites. This school will include a field component for implementing a prescribed fire and the opportunity to complete the Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager (CIPBM) exam. Register by clicking here.

Nature Conservancy Facilitates Potential New SC State Forest

A recent news story shared that 2,700-acres in Jasper County are set to become South Carolina’s first new state forest in more than two decades. This property, known as Chelsea Plantation, was recently purchased by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to prevent land development and protect wildlife habitat, historical character, and water quality. After placing the land under a conservation easement that will guarantee the land’s protection regardless of ownership, the land will be sold to the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC). It is expected to be opened to the public as a state forest after a series of state-level approvals. Read the news story here. Find more information from TNC here.

VT-USFS Share March 2025 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.

Clemson University Extension Launches New Wildlife Damage Mgmt Program

Clemson University Cooperative Forestry & Wildlife Extension team has recently launched a statewide extension wildlife damage management program to provide resources and science-based solutions for addressing human-wildlife conflicts in South Carolina. The new program will implement an evidence-based and interdisciplinary approach to reduce wildlife damage caused by common conflict species such as white-tailed deer and feral swine. The Clemson Extension team will work in collaboration with state agriculture and natural resource agencies such as the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and others to achieve its goals. This announcement was shared in the Clemson Extension Forestry and Wildlife Newsletter, found here.

American Landowner Podcast Episode Shares Pulpwood Insights

The American Landowner podcast focuses on land management and sustainable land ownership including wildlife habitat, farming and ranching, and other diverse topics. The host, Robert Dudley, interviews experts who share their experiences on properly managing and maintaining land for long-term success. A recent episode features Pete Madden, the CEO of the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities. He spoke about the challenges in the Southeastern pulpwood markets, including declining prices and mill closures. Madden discussed the importance of sustainable forest management, new opportunities in alternative markets like wood pellets, biochar, and sustainable aviation fuels, and the potential of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in construction. This podcast can be found on Spotify, here, and Apple Podcasts, here.

Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Workshop Hosted by Texas A&M

Texas A&M AgriLife is hosting a “Habitat at Home” series, offering wildlife and habitat management recommendations suitable for properties of various sizes. These in-person workshops will engage conservation-minded homeowners and landowners across various locations in Texas. Participants will learn how to implement and enhance habitat and wildlife conservation projects on their properties and within their communities. Four sessions will be held between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM at the following locations and dates: Brookshire on June 13th, Weatherford on June 27th, Farmersville on July 18th, and Johnson City on September 24th. Register and view the sessions’ agenda here.

GA Mass Timber Accelerator Grant Program Supports Development of Mass Timber Construction Projects Mass

The Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator is a grant and technical assistance program designed to help development teams assess and integrate structural mass timber systems into early-stage projects. The Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator is now accepting applications for its next round. This program offers $25,000 in funding, expert guidance, and visibility for development teams interested in incorporating mass timber into their commercial, residential, or civic projects. Projects must be located in Georgia and be in the early stages of planning and permitting to be eligible for selection. The deadline to apply is June 20th. A currently active Accelerator Project is the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, Georgia. This project will see the construction of a mass timber River Welcome Center Project, reinforcing the use of eco-friendly materials in community spaces. Download the program description here. Learn more about applying and active Accelerator Projects here.

American Landowner Podcast Episode Shares Pulpwood Insights

The American Landowner podcast focuses on land management and sustainable land ownership including wildlife habitat, farming and ranching, and other diverse topics. The host, Robert Dudley, interviews experts who share their experiences on properly managing and maintaining land for long-term success. A recent episode features Pete Madden, the CEO of the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities. He spoke about the challenges in the Southeastern pulpwood markets, including declining prices and mill closures. Madden discussed the importance of sustainable forest management, new opportunities in alternative markets like wood pellets, biochar, and sustainable aviation fuels, and the potential of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in construction. This podcast can be found on Spotify, here, and Apple Podcasts, here.

USFS Southern Research Station Investigates Wildland Firescapes and Risk Reduction in New Studies

As wildland-urban interface (WUI), the zone where human development meets undeveloped wildland, increases, so does the risk of wildfire. In one study, by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Southern Research Station (SRS), the team collected over 70 datasets from sources like the Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) on fire and smoke, community and social vulnerabilities, forest conditions, climate, land use, and other factors that influence wildfire risk. These datasets were used to classify nine distinct firescapes, landscapes with similar ecological, social, and fire risk characteristics, to help decision makers manage risk and improve forest resilience. This study can be found here. In another study, also from USFS SRS, the team evaluated how much risk can be reduced by repeated prescribed fire. The team found that the potential for risk reduction generally overlapped with the highest risk areas, such as parts of Florida, the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, and parts of southeastern Texas. This study can be found here. The findings from both of these papers are accessible through a story map developed through a collaboration with Texas A&M Forest Service, the Southern Group of State Foresters, and other partners. Click here to access the story map.

New Tool Aims to Improve Colorado’s Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

The Colorado Forest Tracker was created by the Colorado State Forest Service and the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute. This the the first project in the state to compile records from across agencies into a publicly accessible online dashboard, creating a central database and reporting system for forest management activities across the state. Data from this compilation will help policymakers and firefighters better understand how ongoing and past forest management projects are impacting Colorado’s recreation, aesthetics, and forest land. In turn, these insights will inform development or refinement of strategies for improving forest health and reducing wildfire risks. Land managers, cities, and homeowner associations are being encouraged to submit data and add to the resource. Links to viewing, accessing, and submitting data can be found here. A news story by Colorado Public Radio (CPR) about this new tool can be found here.

Updates from USFS Chief on Organization Changes & Readiness

The new chief of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Chief Tom Schultz, recently shared information on the USFS’s readiness and response (June 6, 2025) and updates on the service’s structure and changes (May). Due to ongoing budget constraints, USFS will not be bringing back seasonal employees, will be limiting external hiring, and reducing travel. The Chief recently asked USFS leaders to convene calls and spend time with employees to engage in dialogue to hear and share thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Additionally, Chief Schultz announced that the service will have more information about its organizational structure within the coming weeks as they test new governance models and adapt to delivering contracts and agreements with fewer staff. Read Chief Schultz’s May update on organizational structure here, and the recent article/interview on readiness here.

National Association of Conservation Districts Releases 2024 Annual Report

A new 2024 edition of The National Association of Conservation Districts’ (NACD) Annual Report has been released. NACD is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote stewardship and conservation of natural resources by representing locally led conservation districts and their associations. This edition of the Annual Report includes updates on activities across NACD's seven regions, NACD’s Grants Program recipients, tips on outreach efforts, NACD's 2024 fiscal year finances, and more. Additionally, the report shares stories about how conservation districts are continuing to support conservation local communities. These stories include invasive species control, native plant establishment, finding food insecurity solutions, and addressing resource accessibility issues to beginning farmers, underserved producers, women, and small-scale operators. Find all this information and more here.

New Wood Sourcing Tool to Determine Product Sustainability

A new, first-of-its-kind, online Wood Sourcing Tool, created by the American Wood Council (AWC), was designed to help users better understand the sustainability of wood products as they move through the supply chain. The tool incorporates data based on a wood product’s mill grade stamp or region to track a specific product’s journey from the forest to the end user. There are three categories that can be applied to the product to define its sustainability: (1) Non-controversial products come from geographic areas with a low risk of illegal activity or are compliant with legal or proprietary standards; (2) Responsible products come from geographic areas in compliance with an independently certified procurement standard or from geographic areas with programs that implement best management practices; and (3) Certified products come from sources that are independently certified to an internationally recognized forest management certification standard. Access the tool, learn more, and see frequently asked questions here.

American Forest Resource Council Monthly Podcast’s Newest Episode Features Montana Senator

“The AFRC Podcast: Sustainable Forests, Healthy Communities,” hosted by Nick Smith from the American Forest Resource Council (AFRC), presents monthly conversations with experts and leaders about forestry, forest products, and public lands management. The latest episode, “Timber, Fire, and Reform,” features guest speaker U.S. Senator Steve Daines of Montana. Senator Daines speaks about the recent presidential executive orders surrounding domestic timber and lumber production and proposed litigation reforms. Additionally, he discusses legislation like the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act, an act that aims to reduce wildfire risks through better forest management and ensure firefighter safety with improved training, equipment, and coordination, and wildland fire’s impact on Montana’s landscapes. This monthly podcast is free to listen to on Spotify (here) and Apple Podcasts (here).

New Wildfire Resilience Insurance Policy Lowers Premiums Based on Fire Risk Mitigation Efforts

The Nature Conservancy and Willis, a multinational insurance company, have announced a fire-of-its-kind insurance policy that considers efforts to mitigate fire risks. The wildfire resilience insurance policy was developed to demonstrate lower premium pricing and improved availability where ecological forest practices have taken place. Fire risk mitigation activities include tree thinnings and prescribed fires. Tahoe Donner, a private homeowners association in California, was selected as a partner for this policy due to its Forest Health Management Program. The policy will cover 1,345 acres of California’s Tahoe Donner’s forested and recreation land and has a 39% lower premium and 89% lower deductible than it would without fire risk mitigation management. Read the article published by The Nature Conservancy to learn more, found here.

June 10 | 1:00PM

EDEN Professional Development Webinar: Mental Health Resiliency During Times of Disaster and Recovery

In this session, participants will learn how to increase resiliency and readiness to be better equipped for the sudden increase of stress. Additionally, participants will develop basic skills to recognize when clientele or colleagues are experiencing disaster-related stress. Register here.

June 17 | 1:00PM

Organic Research Updates: Pest Management, Diversified Cropping Systems, and Soil Organic Carbon

This webinar will cover topics such as organic pest management, diversified cropping systems, and practices to build soil organic carbon. The webinar will provide detailed scientific information in these areas and give insight into peer-reviewed research treatments and results. Find a calendar reminder link here.

June 17 | 1:00PM

Advancing Women's Leadership in Forestry and Fire Management - A Tribal Perspective

Join this 2-hour virtual workshop, which will include panel discussions and offer space for professional connection, mentorship, and reflection. Register by clicking here.

June 24 | 7:00PM

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

June 26 | 2:00PM

Implementing Soil Health Testing

This webinar will cover topics such as such as soil health indicators, difference between soil health and soil fertility testing, and planning considerations. Find a calendar reminder link here.

July 1 | 2:00PM

Tribal Climate Resilience Webinar Series: Session 4

July 24 | 1:00PM

How to Market Urban Wood with New Urban Wood Network Marketing Materials

The Urban Wood Network (UWN) and the Sustainable Resources Institute will unveil new marketing materials for the Urban Wood industry in this webinar. A fee is associated with attending this webinar. Register here.

September 3 | 1:00PM

Biology and Management of Stem and Root Diseases of Southern Pines

September 8 | 1:30PM

Leveraging Podcasts in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communication and Outreach

September 22 | 1:00PM

Capturing the Impact of Natural Resource Extension Programs

October 13 | 1:00PM

Paddling Through Paradise: Educating on the Water

October 27 | 1:00PM

Teaching with Video

November 5 | 1:00PM

Identification and Management of Invasive Vine Species

Extension Assistant/Associate/Professor of Forestry (Knoxville, TN)

The School of Natural Resources (SNR) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) invites applications for a 12-month, tenure-track, 100% Extension Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor of Forestry. The successful candidate will develop, implement, evaluate, and report on a comprehensive statewide educational program for private (rural and urban), nonindustrial landowners concentrating on forest management. The minimum required qualification is a doctorate in forestry, forest management, natural resources, or a closely related field. Apply here.

Pesticides Inspector (Davidson County, TN)

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forest Operations Division is seeking qualified candidates to apply for a Pesticides Inspector position. The successful candidate will conduct inspections, investigations, monitoring, and enforcement of State and Federal laws and regulations related to pesticides, feed, seed, fertilizer, agricultural lime, and pest control. The minimum qualifications for this position are a bachelor’s degree in a biological, chemical, agricultural science, or related to field or related experience. To learn more and apply, click here.

Forestry Aide (Lincoln County, TN)

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forest Operations Division is seeking qualified candidates to apply for a Forestry Aide 2 position. The successful candidate will perform fire prevention, fire suppression, and conservation work on state forests and private lands general supervision. The minimum qualification for this position is education or experience in (1) fire suppression or fire prevention, (2) the conservation of trees, soil, water, or wildlife, (3) the farming or harvesting of forest products or orchards, (4) land surveying or mapping, (5) the operation of sawmills or tractors or bulldozers, or (6) maintenance and repair of heavy equipment or carpentry. Learn more and apply here.

Fire Science Innovations through Research and Education (FIRE) program

The Fire Science Innovations through Research and Education (FIRE) program invites innovative multidisciplinary and multisector investigations focused on convergent research and education activities in wildland fire. FIRE is a new initiative that supports convergent research, education and networking activities to improve understanding, prediction and resilience to wildland fire and its interactions with communities, infrastructure and the natural environment. Proposals should demonstrate strengths relevant to wildlife fire in one or more of the following areas: (1) new advances in data collection, storage, and sharing; (2) new modeling and computational approaches; (3) new understanding of the cross-scale interactions of wildland fire across local, regional and global extents; (4) new insights into community adaptation and governance; (5) new approaches to reduce the vulnerability of built infrastructure, natural fuels, and social systems; and (6) engagement of a variety of community members and stakeholders. The application window is between June 12-20. To learn more and apply, click here.

National Forest Foundation Matching Awards Program Grant Opportunity

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is now accepting applications for Round Two of its Matching Awards Program (MAP). This grant opportunity will provide funds for projects that directly benefit America’s National Forests and Grasslands. MAP pairs federal funds provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) with matching non-federal dollars raised by award recipients. Eligible projects must be no longer than 18 months in duration, start between September 1 – October 15, 2025, and are submitted by a nonprofit organization, a Tribal government or organization, or a university. The application deadline for Round Two is June 27th. Learn more about this funding opportunity here.

U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities Seeks Contractors to Facilitate Access to Markets for Landowners

The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities is seeking qualified contractors with expertise in forestry-related emerging markets to support content development, dissemination, and to facilitate access to markets for landowners. These contractors will have a one-year contract and will play a key role in advancing educational initiatives that promote innovative solutions in forestry, particularly in the areas of agroforestry, carbon markets, water quality and quantity, eco-tourism, and mass timber. The ideal candidates will have a deep understanding of these emerging markets and a demonstrated ability to develop, curate, and distribute materials tailored to diverse stakeholders, including landowners, conservation organizations, and the general public. The application deadline for this opportunity is June 23rd at 5:00 PM. For more details and application information click here.

The National Forest Foundation Collaborative Capacity Program for Forests & Communities

The National Forest Foundation’s (NFF) Collaborative Capacity Program Round 2 financial awards provide resources to support collaborative activities that increase wildfire resilience, recreation opportunities, forest health, and rural economies. Eligible efforts must describe how investments in collaboration will support a long-term strategy for achieving stewardship outcomes and how these outcomes benefit National Forest System lands. NFF is offering mini grant awards, up to $10,000, and standard grant award, $10,001-$75,000. Proposals will be accepted from throughout the United States where there can be benefit to National Forest System lands. Eligible applicants are Federally recognized Tribal governments and Tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, and colleges and universities. Activities in Round 2 will begin in late 2025 and may run for 12, 18, or 24 months. The deadline for mini grant applications is July 25th. Standard grant applications are due August 1st for community partners and August 22nd for Tribal applicants. Click here to learn more and apply.

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.

Cumberland Plateau-Southern Appalachians Stewardship Fund 2025 Request for Proposals

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals within the Cumberland Plateau region, located in certain parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, for projects that will help accelerate the restoration and enhancement of critical forest, grassland, and freshwater habitats in the region. Grant awards are expected to range from $250,000 to $750,000 with a project period of 24–48 months following finalization of a grant agreement. Projects should have a minimum of 1:1 nonfederal match funding. Eligible applicants include state, local, and municipal governments, nonprofits, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. Full proposals are due July 16. Learn more and apply here.

Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Network Grant Opportunity

The Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Network (SFLR) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving forest management by connecting African American landowners to established networks of forestry support. SFLR is providing a grant opportunity that will award up to $400,000 over two years to projects that support forestry and land retention programs for African American and rural forest landowners. Up to two winners may be selected from organizations based in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, or Louisiana. Proposals are due by July 3rd. Learn more about the grant opportunity and the application here.

2026 Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program Challenge Request for Proposals

The Department of Defense’s (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program has recently announced the release of the 2026 REPI Challenge Request for Proposals (RFP). This challenge will focus on safeguarding strategic missions across the U.S. and its territories to restore trust in the military, rebuild the military, and reestablish deterrence. This year, the REPI Program will provide up to $20 million in funding for activities in the vicinity of DOD installations and ranges. Eligible applicants may include states, local governments, Indian Tribes, private organizations through cost-sharing agreements, and heads of Federal departments and agencies through interagency agreements. Applicants for the challenge must demonstrate how the project will preserve readiness and defense capabilities, protect U.S. warriors’ access to open testing and training areas, and reduce risks to critical infrastructure across defense communities. Pre-proposals for the challenge are due July 3rd, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Learn more about the REPI Challenge RFP here.

June 13 | Brookshire, TX

Habitat at Home: Brookshire

June 24-25 | Virtual

AgriProspects Workforce Development Network Summit

This inaugural summit is a two-day event that will bring together extension professionals, industry representatives, intermediaries, and other practitioners from across the U.S. to network, engage, and learn about Adult Workforce Development in food and agriculture. Learn more about this virtual event here.

June 27 | Weatherford, TX

Habitat at Home: Weatherford

July 10 | Guyton, GA

Conservation Tools & Trends for Private Land & Working Forests Course

This course includes a comprehensive overview of relevant legislation, appraisal practices, tax incentives, and other key topics related to conservation easements and land protection in the Southeast. Additionally, participants will receive an update on timber markets, conservation initiatives, and emerging technology. Register here.

July 15-18 | Washington DC

The American Forest Congress Meeting

July 18 | Farmersville, TX

Habitat at Home: Farmersville

July 23-25 | Columbia, MO

North American Agroforestry Conference

August 6-8 | Nashville, TN

38th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment EXPO

August 6-8 | Nashville, TN

Forest Products EXPO

This EXPO brings together the wood products manufacturing community, featuring hundreds of exhibitors unveiling cutting-edge machinery and services tailored for the forest products industry. Learn more and register here.

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 1 | Nashville, TN

Advancing Mass Timber Construction Conference

Attend this event for an interactive opportunity that will dive deep into the practical strategies shaping mass timber’s future, from early design coordination and permitting, to fabrication logistics and field installation. Register and learn more here.

September 29-October 2 | Auburn, AL

2025 International Conference on Forest Carbon & Resilience

October 1-3 | San Antonio, TX

National Hardwood Lumber Association Annual Convention and Exhibit Showcase

Attend this event to stay ahead with cutting-edge insights, connect with peers, and explore the latest services, products, and technologies in hardwood. Register by clicking here.

October 23-27 | Lima, Peru

FLARE Annual Meeting

October 26-29 | Biloxi, MS

SEAFWA Annual Conference

The Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) is a forum for the exchange of ideas and critical information regarding the management and protection of fish and wildlife resources primarily in the southeast. View the Save the Date here.

October 29-30| Biloxi, MS

Fall Longleaf Partnership Council Meeting

This meeting will be held at the Beau Rivage Resort in conjunction with the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) Annual Conference. More information will be released before the meeting date.

November 7 | Summerville, SC

10th Annual South Carolina Rural and Limited Resource Landowner Symposium "Rooted in Legacy”

This special event brings together landowners, families, and professionals from across the state to share knowledge, resources, and support for protecting and preserving family land. View the Save the Date here.

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