Webinar Spotlight ⭐

Workforce Opportunity Series: Tips to Hold onto Your Land

Join the National Woodland Owners Association and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College for the second webinar in their outreach, equity, and workforce development series. Hear from Mavis Gragg on building generational wealth and from Dr. Umesh Chaudhari on carbon credits, market opportunities, and the role of ACR in forest projects.

AL Cooperative Extension Communications & Marketing Wins Multiple National Awards

In June, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) at Auburn University received 15national awards at the 2025 Association for Communication Excellence Conference, for communication excellence. ACES “Discover Alabama Extension” Campaign which included multiple avenues for promotion of ACES, including on the side of buses, at college football games, social media and more. One project, “Heirs Property in Alabama”, won the Outstanding Professional Skill Award for the publishing category, after winning Gold in the editing class. The publication addresses Heirs property, which refers to land passed down from one generation to the next without a legal will or formal probate process, as a barrier to forest ownership and sustainable land management for rural and minority landowners in the South. Other awards from the forestry and natural resources team’s work included a social media graphic focused on butterflies and their host plants, an Alabama 4-H Forestry Invitational poster, a Great Backyard Bird Count Photo contest and more. Read about the awards here and access the Heirs Property in Alabama publication here.

Longleaf Alliance Seeks Sites for Pinecone Harvesting

The Longleaf Alliance is seeking potential sites to harvest pinecones in the fall, due to the anticipated seed shortage that comes with a low estimate of seed-producing cones for the third year in a row. According to the Longleaf Pinecone Prospects for 2025 Report released in June, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) estimates that the cone crop for longleaf pines in the Southeast will be poor this year. The study defines a good crop as 50 to 99 green cones per tree, a fair crop as 25to 49, poor as 10 to 24, and a failed crop as less than 10 seed-bearing cones per tree. Landowners with mature stands yielding fair or better cone crops are encouraged to report observations via an online survey to connect with harvest crews. Read the USFS study here and the Longleaf Alliance article here.

UADA/PBA to Offer Prescribed Burn Class in January 2026

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture (UADA) Research and Extension, in partnership with the Arkansas Prescribed Burn Association (PBA), will offer a2-day prescribed burn certification class in January 2026 for participants seeking to join the local PBA. UADA plays a key role in supporting prescribed fire education and outreach, and contributes research, training, and technical expertise to help restore fire-adapted ecosystems, reduce wildfire risk, and improve forest and wildlife habitat. Those interested in registering for the prescribed burn certification class should contact the UADA Polk County Extension office at 479-394-6018. Learn more about the Arkansas Prescribed Burn Association here.

New Study Provides Insights into Wood Pellet Industry in Southeast

A new study, “Operational Characteristics and Business Perspectives of Wood Pellet Producers and Feedstock Suppliers in the Southeastern US,” published in the Forest Products Journal examines the operational aspects and business perspectives of wood pellet producers and feedstock suppliers in the Southeastern U.S. The purpose of the study was to understand the sourcing practices, supplier relationships, sustainability views, and market outlook of the wood pellet industry. Key study findings indicate that most suppliers are satisfied with pellet markets, citing business growth and diversification. Both producers and suppliers largely agree that pellet sourcing aligns with sustainable forestry and Best Management Practices (BMPs). Study results demonstrate the key role the wood pellet industry plays in supporting forest health, rural economies, and the utilization of low-value wood residues. Read the study here.

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to Host Fire Management and Technology Workshop

In collaboration with the Eastern Innovation Landscape Network (EILN) and the Southeast Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) is hosting a Fire Management and Technology Workshop September17–18 at CNO in Daisy, Oklahoma. CNO has partnered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) capabilities. The workshop will highlight cutting-edge technologies along with 3D fuels characterization and next-generation fire behavior modeling. Participants are asked to complete a brief survey to shape the agenda and volunteer to speak or lead sessions. The pre-workshop survey can be found here.

Forest Landowners Foundation Receives USFS 2025 Wood Innovations Grant to Expand Woodchip Exportation &Southern Forest Markets

The Forest Landowners Foundation (FLF) has received an award of nearly $300,000 from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) 2025 Wood Innovations Grant Program. FLF will use the award to expand woodchip export opportunities and support southern forest markets. In collaboration with Peeples Industries, FLF will build a commercial-scale dielectric heating unit that utilizes radio frequency (RF) to treat debarked southern yellow pine woodchips for pests. Read about the award and project here.

Clemson Extension to Host SC Women Owning Woodlands Webinar Series in September

Clemson University’s Forestry & Wildlife Extension will host the “Know Your Land: Wild Harvests, Wildlife & Healthy Ecosystems” webinar series from September 23 – October 14. Specifically designed for women landowners across South Carolina, the series includes four one-hour Zoom sessions on Tuesdays from 7:00pm-8:00pm and explore topics such as forest foraging, wildlife habitat, ecosystem health, and sustainable woodland management. Participants can join live via Zoom and recordings will be available to all registered participants. Learn more about the series and register here.

Pine Preparedness Plan (P4) for the Southern United States Released

A collaboration of university, non-profit, industry and federal partners have prepared the Pine Preparedness Planning (P4) process to support proactive forest management in the Southeast. Working group members are from a wide array of organizations including the University of Georgia (UGA)United States Forest Service’s (USFS) Southern Research Station and National Forest System, the Jones Center at Ichauway, University of Florida, North Carolina State University, Clemson University, Southern Group of State Foresters, Florida Forest Service, Texas A&M Forest Service, Arkansas Department of Agriculture and more. . The P4 plan is designed to help land managers predict and adapt to future changes in climate, land use, and wildfire risk. The plan helps to identify vulnerabilities in longleaf, loblolly, and slash pine ecosystems and offers strategies to enhance forest health, productivity, and biodiversity. The objective of the partnership is to cultivate resiliency and sustainability in southern pine forests through shared planning. Read the P4 plan summary here and download the full plan here.

2024 Accomplishment Report from America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative Available

The 2024 Accomplishment Report from America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative (ALRI) is now available. The report details the significant restoration and conservation milestones achieved by ALRI partners last year. Report highlights include over 100,000 acres of new longleaf were established; prescribed fire was applied on 2.2 million acres – a record high; and over 49,000 acres of critical longleaf habitat were permanently conserved. The report outlines how longleaf supports wildlife, clean air and water, wildfire reduction, climate resilience and local economies in the Southeastern U.S. Partners are encouraged to share the report via newsletters, social platforms, and forestry meetings. Read the full 2024 Accomplishment Report here.

National Urban & Community Forestry Advisory Council Launches Online Portal for Public Input on Next 10-Year Action Plan

The National Urban & Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service has launched an online portal for public input on the development of the next 10-year action plan(2027-2037). The Council represents the public and works with its partners to address economic, environmental, and other issues through natural resource solutions. The 2027-2037 action plan outlines key goals, strategies, and recommended actions for strengthening and sustaining urban and community forests nationwide. The portal will be used to gather insights, recommendations, and feedback from rural and urban communities. NUCFAC is interested in receiving feedback on what worked well in the 2016–2026 plan, what gaps remain, and what elements should remain in the new one. There are 9 topics that survey participants can respond to such as what programs, tools, or resources should be expanded, improved, or introduced over the next decade and what challenges and issues, particularly for underserved communities, need attention. Anyone is welcome to submit feedback. The deadline for submissions is next year - June30th, 2026. Access NUCFAC’s Public Input Online Portal here.

FEMA Launches New Wildfire Evacuation Kit

FEMA has developed a new “Wildfire Evacuation Kit.” This Exercise Starter kit (ESK) contains sample documents for any organization/jurisdiction to use to conduct their own exercises on essential aspects of wildfire evacuation. Materials assist with Prevention, Protection, and Response around four core capabilities: Planning, Physical Protective Measures, Critical Transportation and Public Information and Warning. Click here for more info.

Free USFS Resources Available to Help Educators Bring Real Science into the Classroom

The United States Forest Service (USFS) Natural Inquirer national program provides free science education resources to formal &informal educators, homeschooling families, and to the public. These materials are also available at USFS visitor centers and ranger district offices. For the past 27 years, the Natural Inquirer has adapted published USFS research into engaging formats for students at various grade levels. Topics range from discussions of freshwater, termites, wilderness areas, pollinators, to time children spend outdoors. The program also produces Scientist trading cards that features real USFS scientists and focuses on their careers in science as well as people in supportive roles in the USFS. One notable edition, titled “World’s Forests,” was created in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and includes information about forests in 233 countries and territories. To learn more about the “World’s Forests” edition, click here. If you’d like to explore the Natural Inquirer program further or order free copies of the journals and other materials, please visit www.naturalinquirer.org.

New UN Economic Commission for Europe Journal Offers Solutions for Addressing Forest & Climate Challenges

The February 2025 journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) titled “Sustainable and Circular Bioeconomy in Forest-Based Industries: How to Get There” offers solutions for addressing global deforestation and climate change. The journal was published in response to escalating pressures on natural ecosystems and the critical need for industries to move away from fossil-based, linear production models. The publication explores how the growing demand for forest products can be better managed by applying the principles of circular bioeconomy and advocates for sustainable forest management and other practices that restore ecosystems and strengthen resilience to climate change. Access the full journal here.

August 27 | 1:00PM

Managing for Aquatic Ecological Drought

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 18 | 12:00PM

Hot Topics In Pond Management

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 | 1:00PMM

Teaching with Video

November 5 | 1:00P

Identification and Management of Invasive Vine Species

Clinical Assistant Professor in the Human Health Benefits of Outdoor Spaces

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia,

invites applications for a 9-month,

non-tenure clinical assistant professor with teaching (50%), applied research and outreach (45%), and service (5%) responsibilities. Successful candidates could come from a variety of

cross-cutting disciplines that study the multidimensional influence of forests, the environment, and access to natural areas on human health. Read more here.

UMD Woodland Stewardship Educator (Queenstown, MD)

University of Maryland Extension is seeking to hire a full-time woodland stewardship educator position on a 12-month contractual basis with benefits that can be renewed annually, depending on funding availability. The focus of the position will be to develop and implement woodland stewardship programs for private woodland owners, natural resource professionals, and provide faculty oversight for the Maryland/Delaware Master Logger Program in cooperation with partner organizations and the Master Logger Steering Committee. Required qualifications are a B.S. degree in forestry or closely related field from an accredited university, excellent communication skills and more. For more information or to apply, click here.

USDA NIFA Releases $300 million Agriculture & Food Research Initiative Foundational & Applied Science Program RFA- Divided Into Multiple Individual Program Priority RFA’s Found within Six Priority Areas

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has released its request for applications (RFA) for its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). The AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program supports grants in six AFRI priority areas to advance knowledge in both fundamental and applied sciences important to agriculture. There is a total of $300 million dollars being awarded for this RFA, however note, that these are not the same as previous years as the current RFA reflects the Administration’s priorities and Executive Orders. The RFA’s available funds are grouped by the six priority areas which are listed with their funding amounts here: 1. Plant Health and Production and Plant Products ($61 million); 2. Animal Health and Production and Animal Products ($56 million); 3. Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health ($38 million); 4. Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment ($33 million); 5. Agriculture Systems and Technology ($36 million); and 6. Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities($30 million). In addition, there is $46 million dollars available for crosscutting programs which address at least two of the six priority areas. The RFA is contained in 6 priority areas plus the cross-cutting program wherein there are from 4 to 8 program priorities. The program priorities include the details of the RFA, and each program priority defines its specific RFA and deadlines. Projects related to plants includes crops, trees, and weeds, and objectives must be justified in terms of importance to agricultural food, feed, fiber, ornamental plants (including turf), planted forest, or industrial crop production in the United States. Projects focused on plant species and commodities that are important to small- or medium-sized farms/land areas are welcome. Research-only, extension-only, and integrated research, education and/or extension projects are solicited in this RFA. See Foundational and Applied Science RFA for specific details. Deadlines for these RFA’s vary from October 2 – November 13, 2025. It is strongly recommended that anyone interested in applying should talk to the program officer for the particular program of interest. Find the RFA and more information here.

Norfolk Southern’s New Community Disaster Relief Grant Program

To support communities affected 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. Deadline is September 1, 2025.

August 19-20 |

Tifton, GA

Longleaf Pine Management Workshop

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 16-17 |Tifton, GA

Pine Straw Production Workshop

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

September 29-October 2 | Auburn, AL

2025 International Conference on Forest Carbon & Resilience

October 1-2 | Virtual

Timber Market Analysis Class

October 1-3 | San Antonio, TX

National Hardwood Lumber Association Annual Convention and Exhibit Showcase

October 7 | Pittsboro, NC

Piedmont Forest Landowners’ Summit

October 23-27 | Lima, Peru

Forests Livelihoods, Assessment, Research & Engagement (FLARE) Annual Meeting

October 26-29 | Biloxi, MS

SEAFWA Annual Conference

October 29-30| Biloxi, MS

Fall Longleaf Partnership Council Meeting

November 4-6| Madison, WI

4th Mass Timber Research Needs Assessment Workshop

November 7 | Summerville, SC

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

November 19-20, 2026 | Henderson, NV

2025 Partners in Community Forestry Meeting

April 13-16, 2026 | Omaha, NE

National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration

March 24-26, 2026 | Reno, NV

Be a WUI 2026 Speaker: Share Your Expertise! Wildland Urban Interface Conference

May 12-15, 2026 | Wilmington, NC

Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals (ANREP) Conference

November 7-13, 2026 | Coimbra, Portugal

International Conference on Forest Fire Research