UF Extension Provides Tips for Reconstructing Records after a Disaster

In a recent article hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Business Center, University of Florida Extension Business Specialist, Tamara Cushing, provided tips for reconstructing records after a disaster. Major weather events leave damage and destruction in their wake, and often financial and tax records are lost. The article included tips on the type of information that may be needed to be found relating to personal residence/real property, vehicles, machinery and equipment, personal use property and business records. Tips range from taking pictures of existing damage to contacting companies. To read about more tips, click here.

Federally Listed Red-cockaded Woodpecker Released in Southwest Georgia

A translocation of federally threatened Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RCWs) was completed on December 18, 2025, at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Chickasawhatchee Wildlife Management Area in Calhoun County. The effort was a collaborative partnership among state, federal, nonprofit, and private organizations. Once listed as endangered due to habitat loss, the RCW was downlisted to threatened in October 2024, reflecting decades of successful recovery work driven by coordinated translocations and habitat management. Chickasawhatchee is now the fifth state-owned wildlife management area in Georgia to support RCWs. Seven breeding pairs were released, including five pairs from Fort Stewart and two from The Jones Center at Ichauway. This marks the first RCW release at the site, and the birds will be monitored to evaluate the effort’s success. Long-term habitat restoration at the WMA, including prescribed fire and timber thinning, has improved conditions for RCWs and other wildlife that depend on open pine ecosystems. Read more here.

UK’s Kentucky ForestryWorks Initiative Offers High School Students Opportunity to Become Certified Forestry Workers

The University of Kentucky Forestry and Natural Resources department, the Kentucky Forest Industries Association, the Kentucky Division of Forestry, and ForestryWorks. Kentucky ForestryWorks have collaborated to develop Kentucky ForestryWorks. The Kentucky ForestryWorks Initiative offers a 10-module forestry curriculum for high school students and teachers covering Kentucky’s forests, timber cruising and measurement, forest products, regulations, and more. Students who complete the curriculum may take the nationally recognized Forestry Worker Certificate exam. The Field Course will take place June 21–26, 2026. High school students can participate in a week-long field course at the University of Kentucky’s Robinson Forest and Wood Utilization Center, gaining hands-on experience in tree identification, measurement, grading, felling, sawmilling, and lumber drying, along with visits to active logging sites. Students who pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher earn the Forestry Worker Certificate. Scholarships cover lodging, meals, and PPE. Preference is given to juniors and seniors. Application deadline: May 1, 2026. Apply here

Fire Science Exchanges Host “Fueling Collaboration” Webinar Series

The Southern Fire Exchange (SFE) and other Fire Science Exchanges are co-hosting Season 6 of the Fueling Collaboration Panel Discussion Series, taking place from November 2025 through February 2026. The series which is presented in four parts, brings together fire managers and researchers for interactive conversations focused on priority fire management issues across the eastern United States. Each session is guided by questions submitted by registered attendees, and advance registration is required for all events. The final two discussions in the series are: “Storms and Strategy: Understanding the Impacts of Hurricanes on Wildland and Prescribed Fire in the Southeast” on January 15, 2026 and “Reframing the Ecology of Fire in Eastern United States, ‘Old Growth’ Forest Ecosystems” on February 19, 2026. Click here to register.

AFC to Host Free SouthWRAP Training Workshop in February

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) will host a free hands-on training workshop for the Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (SouthWRAP) February 18-19 in Montgomery, Alabama. Sponsored by the Southern Group of State Foresters and the Texas A&M Forest Service, the workshop will provide training to support the use of the SouthWRAP with a special focus on introducing new risk assessment results and exploring applications. The purpose of the workshop is to provide participants with sufficient knowledge and skills to train others in the use of these tools. Forestry professionals and community leaders from state, local, and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations focused on wildland fire education and prevention efforts are invited to attend. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to register ASAP. Click here to learn more about the training workshop and to register.

USDA Announces $38.1 Million in Grant for Tennessee Agricultural Losses due to Hurricane Helene

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen A. Vaden announced $38.1 million in USDA assistance to help Tennessee producers recover from Hurricane Helene. Under a block grant agreement with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), eligible farmers will receive support for infrastructure, timber, and economic losses not covered by other USDA programs. “Farmers and ranchers across Tennessee have faced significant losses in 2024. USDA is working with the State of Tennessee to ensure they receive the relief they need,” said Deputy Secretary Vaden. The funding is part of the $30 billion disaster relief effort authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025. Producers can find program details and application guidance through TDA. Click here for more information.

Participants Needed for USC Survey on Forestry Workers’ Safety and Health Concerns

A University of South Carolina (USC) Master student in Public Health is conducting a survey to better understand the safety and health concerns of forestry workers in the Southeastern United States. The purpose is to gain insight from professionals in the field of forestry. The survey will take approximately 8–10 minutes to complete. The deadline for the survey is January 16, 2026, though reach out to the contact if you receive this email after the deadline. Your participation will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact

Ke'Ziyah Williamson at keziyah@email.sc.edu or FarahArosemena at farah.arosemena@ufl.edu. Click here to take the survey.

GFF Concludes Five City Mass Timber Series

The Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF) concluded its five-city Mass Timber Hub series in November after a yearlong effort to promote mass timber construction across Georgia. The series convened architects, engineers, developers, public officials, academics, and industry leaders to explore how mass timber can support economic growth and sustainability. Held in Savannah, Macon, Columbus, Athens, and Atlanta, the meetings featured region-specific discussions on design, engineering, construction, policy, market challenges, and emerging opportunities. More than 300 participants and 36 presenters took part. By bringing together national and regional experts and highlighting real-world case studies, the series fostered collaboration, shared lessons learned and helped advance new projects. The initiative has increased market understanding and developer interest, strengthening Georgia’s role as a leader in sustainable, wood-based construction. GFF plans to share additional insights and next steps in early 2026. Click here to learn more.

Field Inclusive Week Bioblitz 2026

Join Field Inclusive Bioblitz January 18-24 for an annual week of virtual celebration of all field Biologists and outdoor enthusiasts. Field Inclusive strives to provide tangible and actionable improvements in the natural sciences by addressing social field safety issues related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. vents will be held virtually and in person at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill, NC. Topics to be covered include healing in nature, resilience in action and bridging worlds and more. Click here for more information and to register (A zoom option also available).

Extension Foundation Launches 7-Part AI Fundraising & Grants Use Cases for Extension Professionals Online Workshop Series

The Extension Foundation is partnering with New Technologies for Ag Extension (NTAE) Key Informant Nate Birt to host a seven-part Zoom-based workshop series: “Artificial Intelligence Fundraising and Grants Use Cases for Extension Professionals.” Workshops are 75 minutes, and each session is designed specifically for Cooperative Extension professionals and will feature practical demonstrations, Q&A, and interactive examples grounded in real fundraising and grants work across Extension. Sessions run third Thursday of each month from January–July 2026 at 2 pm ET. Click here to learn more and register here.

NDA Article Highlights Frosty, the Silver Buck Deer’s Color that Has Stumped Biologists

In a recent National Deer Association (NDA) article, they shared the story of “a strikingly pale, silver-colored whitetail buck in northwest Wisconsin. They noted that its coat doesn’t match known color phases like albino, piebald, or melanistic deer. First photographed in 2023 as a button buck, the deer has since reappeared regularly on trail cameras and from deer stands. The article further discusses variations in deer color and other color anomalies that deer biologists have seen. Click here to read more about Frosty, deer color anomalies and to see images.

Participants Wanted for Survey on Chestnut Growers’ Establishment & Management Practices

A University of Missouri School of Natural Resources study is conducting research on common and innovative establishment and management practices used by chestnut growers. As part of this work, chestnut growers are invited to share their on-farm practices that they use to establish and manage chestnut orchards, as well as grower perspectives on the effectiveness and accessibility of those practices. The input will help improve understanding of current approaches used across the industry. The survey will take approximately 10–20 minutes to complete. The results will be used to develop and test management strategies in a range of settings and to strengthen practical, grower-informed recommendations for chestnut orchard establishment throughout the Eastern and Midwestern United States. To participate in survey please click here. Please share throughout your network.

Extension Foundation Releases 2025 National AI Report on Systemwide Priorities for Cooperative Extension & Ag-Innovation

The Extension Foundation has released the 2025 National AI Report, offering a comprehensive overview of how Cooperative Extension and agInnovation leaders across the Land-grant system are preparing to integrate artificial intelligence. The report draws on a national landscape assessment, virtual focus groups, and an in-person convening held in 2025, engaging leaders from across the system. To establish a shared national direction, the initiative advanced through four structured phases that guided the system from exploration to implementation: an AI landscape assessment; virtual convenings and focus groups; in-person convening, brainstorming, and prioritization; and in-person implementation planning. Click here to learn more.

UMass-Amherst Publishes New Reforestation Planting Guide

MassWoods, a forestry outreach program of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst that is supported by UMass Extension, USDA Forest Service, and a network of forestry and conservation partners, has published a new resource titled “Reforestation Guide: Enrich, Restore, and Adapt Northern Forests.” The guide provides a comprehensive overview of the reforestation process, including planning timelines, site assessment, species selection, implementation considerations, and long-term stewardship. The reforestation guide features decision-support tools, project timelines, links to vetted resources, and examples and case studies that translate guidance into practice. MassWoods produced the restoration guide as a practical resource for foresters, landowners, and managers interested in using tree planting as a forest management tool. The reforestation guide is free, and a copy can be downloaded here.

PSU Extension to Host Central Hardwood Forest Conference in March

Pennsylvania State Extension (PSU) will host the 2026 Central Hardwood Forest Conference (CHFC) from March 3-6, 2026, in State College, Pennsylvania. This professional conference is designed for managers, researchers, and students working in central hardwood forests and will feature oral presentations, six-minute flash talks, and a student poster competition with awards for outstanding contributions. Session themes include, but are not limited to, adapting to change, oak and hickory management, artificial regeneration, climate impacts, forest health, invasive species, wildlife management, and social science in forestry. The workshop includes a pre-conference Forest Health, Insect, and Disease Briefing on March 3, research presentations on March 4-5, and a post-conference forest tour. Registration is $325 for professionals and $275 for students. A remote presentation option will be available for those unable to attend in person. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Sponsorship and booth opportunities are also available. Read more about the conference here.

Webinars

Find the Full List of Upcoming Webinars and Events Here.

Improving Forestland for Wildlife

Now - April 30 | Virtual - Self Paced

Overview of Oak Ecology and Economics

January 13 | 10:00AM

Florida Land Steward Webinar: LandYield Forest Carbon Program

January 15 | 2:00PM

Threats to Oak Ecosystems: Pests and Pathogens

January 15 | 10:00AM

Storms and Strategy: Understanding the Impacts of Hurricanes on Wildland and Prescribed Fire in the Southeast

January 15 | 11:00AM

Stronger Together: Forests & Water Partnerships

January 15 | 2:00PM

Reducing Woody Encroachment to Conserve Rangeland Production in the Great Plains

On Demand Webinar

Beaver Related Restoration Training Series

On Demand

"'We Can Do Better': Paul Johnson and the USDA Natural Resources"

January 20 | 1:00PM

Fire Management and Silviculture in Oak Ecosystems

January 20 |10:00AM

Florida Land Steward Webinar: Funga Soil and Carbon Program

January 21 | 2:00PM

Planning for Oak Restoration at Scale

January 22 |10:00AM

2026 Texas Timber Tax Workshop

February 3-4 | 8:30AM

Reframing the Ecology of Fire in Eastern United States ‘Old Growth’ Forest Ecosystems

February 19, 2026

Healthy American Forests Initiative Request For Proposals

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), through an agreement from the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is pleased to announce the Healthy American Forests Initiative (HAFI) Request for Proposals (RFP). This funding opportunity will support watershed restoration and vegetation management projects on National Forest System lands to achieve a healthy forest ecosystem. The award sizes will range from $250,000 to $2 million and the maximum project length is 2 years. Projects may not have an end date beyond May 30, 2028. Projects are required to provide non-federal match valued at 20 percent of total project costs (25 percent of the grant request to NFWF). Click here to learn more and here to submit proposal. Proposals due by January 13, 2026.

Southeastern Sun Grant Center 2026 Competitive Grants Program

This year's Request for Applications (RFA) is funded through the US Department of Agriculture ­National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Through this RFA, our Center expects to award up to $420,000 in competitive grants. The Center seeks proposals that address the priority areas and goals of the Sun Grant Program. Proposals may seek up to $60,000 total for a maximum duration of 7 months. Projects must address the regional priority areas outlined in this RFA to be considered for funding. Proposals are due January,16 2026. to sungrant@tennessee.edu. Link to grant application here.

National Forest Foundation 2026 Matching Awards Program Nationwide Grant Opportunity

The National Forest Foundation’s 2026 Matching Awards Program (MAP) is now open for applications. MAP funds projects that directly benefit U.S. National Forests and Grasslands by pairing federal dollars with a 1:1 nonfederal cash match. The program prioritizes in-person community engagement, stewardship activities, and projects that create lasting benefits for communities connected to National Forest System lands. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, Tribal governments and organizations, and universities. Projects must occur on or adjacent to National Forests or Grasslands, last no more than 18 months, and begin in May or June 2026. Applications are due January 22, 2026, with an informational webinar on December 4, 2025. A USFS support letter is no longer required at submission, though applicants must coordinate with Forest Service contacts and obtain acknowledgment if selected for funding. Find out how to apply here.

Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund 2026 Request for Proposals

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for projects that work with landowners to voluntarily restore, enhance, and conserve longleaf pine and bottomland forests across the historical longleaf range. Through the Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund—supported by federal and private partners—NFWF will fund on-the-ground natural resource conservation efforts. This year’s RFP places special emphasis on recovery from Hurricane Helene, encouraging projects that restore damaged longleaf forests or establish longleaf on suitable impacted lands. Applicants pursuing post-storm restoration are encouraged to coordinate with other disaster-recovery funding sources, such as USDA’s Emergency Forest Restoration Program, and may contact NFWF staff for guidance. Proposal Due Date: January 29, 2026. Click here for more information.

Northern Great Plains Program 2026 Request for Proposals

NFWF is requesting proposals for projects that voluntarily conserve and restore grasslands and wildlife across the Northern Great Plains. The program aims to maintain and enhance connected grassland landscapes that support grassland-dependent species, while also promoting sustainable land use and protecting cultural traditions, including those of tribal communities. This initiative is supported by a coalition of federal agencies and private partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, NRCS, BLM, the Bezos Earth Fund, Marathon Oil, Altria Group, Occidental Petroleum, and Margret A. Cargill Philanthropies. Proposal Due Date: February 25, 2026. Click here for more information.

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative Now Accepting Grant Applications

Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) grants can help small and midsize communities at any step in the planning process. Awards include funding, training, and technical support. Ranging from $75,000-$115,000 per award, funds can be used over a twelve-month period to advance activities ranging from risk assessments and community engagement to project prioritization and implementation. To be eligible for consideration, the community must be located in the United States and facing significant climate-related challenges based on environmental and socioeconomic considerations. Three partners are required to apply together: 1) a community-based organization, 2) a local, regional or Tribal government partner, and 3) a qualified climate adaptation practitioner listed in the Registry of Adaptation Practitioners.

Apply here.

UGA Forest Health Series

September 22, 2025 - June 5, 2026 | Virtual

Field Inclusive Week Bioblitz 2026

(Zoom Option available)

January 18-24 | Chapel Hill, NC

Red Hills Fire & Nature Festival

January 31 | Tallahassee, FL

Wild Spotter Invasive Species Ambassador Training

February 3–5| Lake Guntersville State Park & Lodge, AL

JCEP 2026 Extension Leadership Conference

February 4-5, 2026 | Savannah, GA

2026 EDEN Spring Training Poster Abstract Submission

Deadline for submission: February 6th, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

Inaugural Southeast Severe Weather Research Symposium

February 10 - 11| Atlanta, GA

Southwest Virginia Woods & Wildlife Conference

February 21 | Blacksburg, VA

2026 Savannah River Fire Festival

February 21 | Guyton, GA

Municipal Forestry Institute Training

Application Deadline September 19, 2025

February 22-27, 2026 | Jekyll Island, GA

Northern Virginia Woods &

Wildlife Conference

February 28, 2026 |

Culpepper, VA

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

March 24-26, 2026 | Reno, NV

National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration

April 13-16, 2026 | Omaha, NE

2026 Extension Risk Management Education

National Conference

April 14 – 16, 2026

Salt Lake City, Utah

Association of Natural Resources Extension Professionals (ANREP) Conference

May 12-15, 2026 | Wilmington, NC

2026 Joint Meeting of the International Society of Forest Resource Economics and Western Forest Economists

May 18-20, 2026, at the Hilton Fort Collins, Colorado

13th U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae

Proposals Due January 16, 2026

October 25-29, 2026 | Cedar Rapids, IA

International Conference on Forest Fire Research

October 31 - November 6, 2026 | Coimbra, Portugal