Webinar Spotlight ⭐

A Progress Report on Resistance Breeding in Forest Trees

Invasive pests and pathogens have devastated North American forests, wiping out or severely reducing populations of iconic trees such as the American elm, ash, and chestnut. This webinar with Dr. Carrie Pike explores how resistance breeding offers hope for restoring these species and safeguarding forests for future generations.

FL Extension Disaster Education Network & PIE Center Offer Hurricane Preparedness & Communication Resources

The University of Florida’s Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (PIE), in partnership with the Florida Extension Disaster Education Network (FL EDEN) and the Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (SCCAHS), are providing multiple resources related to extreme weather events, including hurricanes. The PIE Center and FL EDEN have collaborated to create hurricane preparedness videos for livestock and pet owners. The video series can be viewed here.The PIE Center also offers a course that covers how to effectively communicate about disasters and manage impacts to increase disaster resilience. The course, which will be offered through December 25, 2025, can be enrolled in here. A printable Disaster Kit Checklist from FL EDEN and the PIE Center is available for download here .The checklist outlines essential supplies for sheltering in place or evacuating before storms strike. Another resource is a 2021 episode of the PIE Center podcast “Science by the Slice” that features the former administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) discussing topics related to disaster management, storm preparation, and recovery can be listened to here.

Southern States Host Forest & Water Forums & Learn About Drinking Water Collaboratives

The Southeast Partnership for Forests & Water is a collaborative regional initiative dedicated to sustaining healthy forested watersheds that provide safe, reliable drinking water in the Southeast. The Partnership recently shared updates in its newsletter about current forest and water initiatives happening across the South. Forests & Water Forums were held in Arkansas and Florida and brought together leaders to discuss strategies for safeguarding natural resources. The next state forum is scheduled to take place September 17-18 in Conroe, Texas. To register, click here. The newsletter also featured the Source Water Collaborative, a national network of diverse organizations committed to protecting drinking water sources through collaboration and knowledge sharing. It highlighted the Collaborative’s new National Map of Drinking Water Collaboratives—an online tool that provides users with information about local, state, and regional groups working together to safeguard drinking water sources. For more information about the Source Water Collaborative, contact Co-Chairs Deirdre White at dwhite@asdwa.org (Association of State Drinking Water Administrators) or Lynn Thorp at lthorp@cleanwater.org (Clean Water Action). In addition, the Collaboratives Network Subgroup is a virtual meeting place for information sharing. To join the mailing list, contact Sylvia Malm at sylvia.malm2015@gmail.com.

TN Dept of Agriculture Deploys Detection Dogs to Combat Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has introduced two specially trained detection dogs to assist in identifying and controlling the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). SLF are invasive planthoppers that feed on a wide range of plants, including grapes, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. The dogs, “Winnie” and “Marcel,” were trained at the USDA National Detector Dog Training Center in Georgia and have been integrated into the TDA Plant Certification Section to optimize Tennessee’s efforts to protect the nursery and agricultural industries in the state. Winnie and Marcel are currently deployed in areas where SLF presence has been reported but not visually confirmed. By identifying SLF in all life stages, the dogs are helping to combat the spread of this destructive pest and have already made detections in Sumner County. Read the full story here.

VT and USFS Release May 2025 Housing and Economic Conditions Commentary

The May 2025report of the Housing and Economic Conditions Commentary, a free service of Virginia Tech (VT), the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), and the U.S.Forest Service (USFS) is now available. Produced for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, the commentary provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. residential construction (Section I) and economic conditions (Section II).Section I reports data on private construction spending across single-family, multi-family, and home improvement sectors and highlights trends in real estate investment. Section II examines the impact of broader economic indicators, such as Federal Reserve measures and GDPNow estimates. GDPNow is a forecasting model from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta that provides a running "nowcast" of real GDP growth. The reports are intended to help construction and real estate stakeholders gauge future business activities. Sections I and II of the commentary can be read here and here.

Payment for Ecosystem Services Report for a Florida Water Management District Published

The July newsletter of the Southeast Partnership for Forests & Water shared findings from The Balmoral Group’s final report on the benefits of a Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) framework as a cost-effective tool for the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD).After an evaluation of Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) Recovery Strategies in the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Basins, SRWMD determined that changes in vegetation management could significantly increase water yield. The report integrates SRWMD technical evaluations, University of Florida’s quantified water yield research, cost analyses of alternative water supplies, and PES best practices to create a practical, adaptable framework for implementation. PES is intended to complement existing water supply strategies and may help SRWMD meet statutory MFL requirements in watersheds under recovery or prevention strategies. Read the full report here.

Clemson Extension Forestry Article Highlights the Pawpaw Tree

An article published in July by Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Forestry and Wildlife program explains what a “pawpawpatch” is. The pawpaw (Asimina triloba)is a tropical to subtropical shrub or small tree in the custard apple family. Read the full article about the pawpaw here.

AL Extension Hold 2025 Forestry & Logger Workshop

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, a partnership between Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, will host the 2025 Talladega County Forestry and Logger Workshop on September 23, at the Talladega County Extension Office. Designed for forestry professionals, including Professional Logging Managers (PLMs) and certified foresters, the workshop offers five (5) PLM Continuing Education Credits (CEC) and five (5) Category 1 Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) credits. The workshop will cover a range of topics related to sustainable forest management, including drone applications, timber harvesting best practices, Montane longleaf pine habitat management, wildlife habitat strategies, forest health updates, and invasive species control. The link to register is here. To make a reasonable accommodations request, contact Kyle Marable at 334-707-6349 or marabmk@auburn.edu by September 2.

Fire Adapted Learning Network Announces New Materials for Communities to Prepare for Wildfire Smoke & Reduce Impacts

The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (FACLN)has announced the availability of “Smoke-Ready Communities” materials to help communities prepare for and reduce the health impacts of wildfire smoke. These materials include two infographics: one that outlines the key components of a smoke-ready community and another that identifies who should be engaged in the event of a wildfire. The graphics were developed in collaboration with the Washington Fire Adapted Communities Network and other partners in the public health, air quality, and wildfire fields. In addition to the graphics, FACLN has published a facilitation guide on using the graphics, as well as a hand-out that features three community case studies that highlight successful smoke preparedness strategies. These smoke-ready materials can be found here.

USFS Releases New Tools to Track and Manage Forest Pests

The US Forest Service (USFS) has announced the availability of three new tools to help scientists and land managers better track the spread of destructive forest insects. Developed by researchers at the USFS Northern Research Station (NRS), the first tool called the Asian Longhorned Beetle Hazard Management and Monitoring Tool (ALBERT) is a GIS-based system that analyzes infestation records, survey efforts, and tree removals. This data provides insight into risk changes over a period of time and helps managers improve strategies and measure progress toward eliminating this invasive beetle. A second tool called the Spruce Budworm Atmospheric Transport Model (SBW-ATM) uses an agent-based approach to simulate moth flight, dispersal, and landing. This enables researchers to predict the long-distance spread of spruce budworm outbreaks as influenced by weather patterns. The third tool called the Alien Forest Pest Explorer was developed in partnership with Purdue University and offers an interactive dashboard that integrates pest distributions with forest health data to give users a clearer picture of where nonnative pests are active and their impact on trees nationwide. Read more about Asian Longhorned beetle tool here, the Spruce Budworm Model here, and the Alien Forest Pest Explorer here. In addition, a webinar about the AFPE can be viewed here.

AFF Publishes A Carbon Contract Guide for Landowners

Through its Family Forest Carbon Program, the American Forest Foundation (AFF) is dedicated to helping forest landowners turn their woodlands into a tool for climate action. A July Family Forest Blog post explains carbon offtake agreements, which are contracts where buyers purchase future carbon credits. The free guide, which has two parts, breaks down complex agreements using plain language to explain pricing options, payment methods, and volume terms to help landowners confidently participate in carbon markets. Part Two of the guide will discuss the terms used to determine project milestones and credit delivery requirements. While the use of a contracts lawyer is always advisable, this “cheat sheet” offers easy-to-understand insights that support sustainable forest management and empower landowners. The guide can be accessed here.

USFS Study Examined Impact of Recreational Noise on Wildlife Behavior

A 2025 study conducted by scientists at the United States Forest Service (USFS) Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) and published in the USFS Science You Can Use Bulletin investigated how human-generated noise from outdoor activities affects wildlife. The researchers conducted experiments in natural settings and used speakers to broadcast various recreational sounds, such as conversations and off-road vehicles, to observe wildlife responses. The findings revealed that these noises can cause stress and alter the behavior of animals and potentially disrupt their natural habitats and activities. The study underscores the importance of considering noise pollution in wildlife conservation efforts and suggests that managing human activities in natural areas can help mitigate negative impacts on wildlife. Read the full study here.

Walnut Council Hosted Annual Meeting in July

The Walnut Council’s 2025 National Meeting held last month, brought together landowners, foresters, and industry professionals to attend sessions and activities centered on sustainable hardwood management. The Walnut Council is a science-based organization that encourages research, discussion, and application of knowledge about growing hardwood trees. This international association represents nearly 800 woodland owners, foresters, forest scientists, and wood-producing industry representatives. The event featured a full-day field tour of the Goetsch property in Beloit, Wisconsin that showcased nearly 100 hundred years of forest stewardship, including crop tree release, regeneration planting, and drone-assisted monitoring. Indoor sessions included expert presentations on timber markets, thinning plantations, and optimal planting strategies; roundtable discussions; and a landowner panel discussion. The annual meeting provided valuable networking opportunities and practical knowledge to support the sustainable management of high-quality hardwoods. To find out more information about the Walnut Council, click here.

SAF Seeks Volunteer Educators for Job Corps Conservation Education Pilot Program

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is seeking volunteer educators for its Job Corps Conservation Education Pilot that will be held at Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers located across the U.S. This pilot program is designed especially for Job Corps students between the ages of 16–24 and offers hands-on learning in conservation and environmental stewardship. SAF seeks five instructors for each three-day training program, which includes one day of instructor preparation and two days of student learning. Educators will participate in creating engaging, interactive learning experiences to help young people build their knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for conservation. Volunteers may be eligible for a stipend, as well as travel, lodging, and meal expenses. Those interested in volunteering can complete the application form here and are also encouraged to share the link with others in their network. For more information about the program, contact Indigo Tran at itran@safnet.org.

August 27 | 1:00PM

Managing for Aquatic Ecological Drought

August 27 | 3:00PM

Free Tax Education Webinar

September 2-December 2 | 12:00PM

Yale Forest Forum - Frontiers in Forest Carbon Crediting

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 9 | 1:00PM

Mass Timber Construction Management: What Every Contractor Needs to Know About Cost, Logistics and Risk

September 9 | 1:00PM

Women's Forest Congress:

"Self Advocacy: Articulating Values and Value Proposition."

September 10 | 1:00PM

Expanding Carbon Market Access: How FFCP Brings Opportunities to More Landowners

September 18 | 12:00PM

Hot Topics In Pond Management

September 22 | 1:00PM

Capturing the Impact of Natural Resource Extension Programs

September 23 | 10:00Am

Tree Seed Collection Workshop for New York State and the Northeast

September 24 | 1:00PM

Watershed Planning - Basics

September 25 | 2:00PM

A Tool to Improve NRCS’s Nutrient Managment (CPS 590) Practice

October 8 | 1:00PM

Baldcypress Leafroller: What we Know and Where to Go

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

November 10 | 1:00PM

Beyond Carbon: Maximizing a Forest’s Full Benefits

Clinical Assistant Professor in the Human Health Benefits of Outdoor Spaces (Athens, GA)

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.

Staff Forester I - Silviculture (College Station, TX)

The selected individual will support the Texas A&M Forest Service Silvicultural Program in by performing the following major and essential duties: Provide scientific expertise on the establishment, growth, productivity, vigor, and sustainability of forests by delivering up-to-date, research-based information to agency foresters, consulting foresters, and forest industry professionals. Support landowner and public education efforts by developing and delivering educational materials and outreach activities that promote understanding of forest science, management practices, and the environmental and economic benefits of forests. Translate silvicultural research into practice by synthesizing current forest science into actionable diagnostic tools, prescription methodologies, and decision-support models that enhance forest vigor, resiliency, and productivity. Develop and implement silvicultural strategies that address a broad range of landowner objectives, with a focus on providing practical, science-based guidance suitable for small-acreage landowners and diverse forest ownership goals. Collaborate with agency staff and partners to ensure integration of silvicultural science into forest management planning, policy development, and program delivery. Support and facilitate all activities related to financial assistance programs administered by the Silvicultural Program. Assist with local and statewide incident response and support other program duties as assigned, including wildfire and all-hazard response, preparedness, and recovery activities. Apply here.

Assistant Professor: Forest Entomology or Forest Pathology

Louisiana Tech University is seeking a candidate for a nine-month, tenure track appointment with a focus on teaching (60%), research (35%), and service (5%). The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, with potential for summer salary availability. Apply here.

Staff Forester II - Silviculture (Lufkin, TX)

The selected individual will support the Texas A&M Forest Service Silvicultural Program by performing the following major and essential duties: Provide scientific expertise on forest establishment, growth, vigor, productivity and sustainability by delivering current, research-based information to agency forester, consulting foresters and forest industry professionals. Support landowner and public education efforts by developing and delivering educational materials and outreach activities that promote understanding of forest science, management practices and the environmental and economic benefits of forests. Translate research into practice by synthesizing current silvicultural science into practical tools, including diagnostic guides, prescription methodologies and decision-support models to enhance forest vigor, resiliency and productivity. Develop and implement silvicultural strategies that address a wide range of landowner objectives, with an emphasis on practical, science-based guidance tailored to small-acreage owners and diverse forest management goals. Coordinate and deliver in-service training for agency Foresters and Resource Specialists on topics such as: 1) adaptive silviculture, 2) hardwood and pine production silviculture, 3) understory plant identification, 4) naturalist topics (e.g. animal ID, insect pollinators, wildlife management basics) and 5) ecosystem restoration (e.g. shortleaf and longleaf pine). Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to ensure silvicultural science is integrated into forest management planning, policy development and program delivery. Collaborate with state forest managers to establish and maintain "proof of concept" field plots primarily on state forest lands that demonstrate the effectiveness of current silvicultural strategies on forest productivity, resiliency, vigor, risk mitigation and economic return. Develop and lead outreach and marketing campaigns that effectively communicate silvicultural science using modern communication methods. Messaging should emphasize appeal, clarity, directness, brevity, credibility, transparency and memorability. Support and facilitate activities related to financial assistance programs administered by the Silvicultural Program. Assist with other Silvicultural Program needs and special projects as assigned. Assist with incident response and agency operations, including wildfire and all-hazard response, preparedness and recovery, as well as other program duties as assigned. Apply here.

Urban and Community Forestry Program Leader I

Texas A&M Forest Service is seeking a highly motivated team member who has passion for urban and community forestry. This individual will be part of an integrated team that works to deliver technical assistance to support the agency mission of assuring the state's trees, forests and related natural resources are protected and sustained. Apply 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.

EDEN Grant

The EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network) Advancing Disaster Education Development Grant program offers up to $25,000 for innovative projects that support disaster education through research, extension, and resource development.

Application Deadline: Monday, September 29, 2025 at 12:00p.m. PT

Award Notification: October 2025

Project Period: November 2025 – August 31, 2026. Question sessions via zoom September 11th and the 25th or you may

contact Fred Schlutt at fredschlutt@extension.org.

September 4 | Canton, AL

Alabama Prescribed Fire Council Meeting

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 23 | Valdosta, GA

Georgia Prescribed Fire Council Statewide Meeting

September 25-26 | Louisville, KY

Understanding Heirs’ Property at Community Level - Train the Trainer

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 14-17 | Destin, FL

ANROSP 2025 National Conference

October 17 | Kissimmee, FL

Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting

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 16-18 | Montgomery, AL

Professional Agricultural Workers Conference

November 19-20, 2026 | Henderson, NV

2025 Partners in Community Forestry Meeting

February 22-27, 2026 | Jekyll Island, GA

Municipal Forestry Institute Training

Application Deadline September 19, 2025

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