Regional News

Upcoming Clemson Seminar to Teach Prescribed Fire Techniques

The Clemson University Extension Forestry and Natural Resources Department will be conducting a day-long prescribed burn seminar and field tour August 22 in Clemson, SC. P articipants will learn what is involved in preparing for a burn, various ignition techniques, and why it’s important to observe the results of the burn . learn more from the registration page.

FL Workshop to Focus on Invasive Species & Climate Change

Our partners at the University of Florida IFAS Extension and ProForest will be hosting a two-day workshop August 14-16 in Gainesville, FL on the intersection of climate change, invasive species, and forest health.The director of SREF's Forest Health and Invasive Species Outreach and Education Program (FHIS), Dr. Dave Coyle, and many other subject experts will deliver lectures and share their research and experience. view the registration page for more information.

GPB to Offer Virtual Learning Journey into Georgia's Forests

Georgia Public Broadcasting will soon offer an interactive online experience designed to teach students about the working forests of Georgia. Users will learn about forest ecosystems, food webs, and life cycles, as well as forestry management processes, career opportunities, and much more. Key concepts will be presented through text, images, videos, 360º tours, and interactive elements. see a preview of the learning journey .

Study Predicts Growth Rate of Loblolly Pines for First Half of Century

A new study based on data from PINEMAP and Virginia Tech offers expected growth rates of pines in the first half of the 21st century. Researchers used ecological forecasting to predict how changes in temperature, water, and concentrations of carbon in the atmosphere in the Southeastern United States may affect the future growth rates of trees. read a summary of the study .

Extension Job: UK Forest Health Faculty Position

The University of Kentucky's Forestry Extension program is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Professor at its Department of Forestry and Natural Resources in the field of forest health. This is a 12-month, tenure-track appointment : 70% Extension and 30% teaching. Anticipated starting date is October 1, 2018.  see the job posting .

SREF News



TELE Workshop Teaches Tools for Engaging Landowners

On July 17-18, SREF Extension Associates Leslie Boby and Holly Campbell joined nearly 40 professionals from cooperative Extension, state and federal agencies, several NGOs, and private landowners at Little Ocmulgee State Park to learn about Tools for Engaging Landowners Effectively (TELE) in a two-day workshop organized by NCSU Extension Associate Jennifer Fawcett and led by staff from the Family Forest Initiative. Participants learned to better understand and define their target audience and how best to market programs to that audience. This particular TELE workshop focused on motivating landowners to conduct prescribed fire on their land. The workshop, which was rated highly by attendees, supplied clearly defined next steps to continue work towards that focus. Extension attendees discussed methods of encouraging landowners to attend   “Learn and Burn” events where landowners get an opportunity to hold a driptorch and conduct a burn. see a picture of participants ; learn more about TELE ; learn more about hosting “Learn and Burn” events for forest landowners ; or contact Jennifer Fawcett 

Fire-Resistant Landscaping Workshop to be Held in North Carolina

You are encouraged to attend a workshop on fire-resistant landscaping on August 1 in Ashboro, NC before the North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council's Annual Meeting. Organized by SREF Extension Associate Holly Campbell, this is a hands-on workshop intended to teach community members, Master Gardeners and natural resource and Extension professionals about fire-resistant landscaping, or firescaping. The workshop will cover: firescaping basics, NC fire-resistant plants, and procedures for conducting a home landscape risk assessment. see the event flyer for registration info.

REMINDER: Urban Forestry Webinar on Storm Water Next Tuesday

Join us Tuesday July 24 at 1 PM ET for our upcoming Urban Forestry Webinar: Transitioning from Gray to Green Infrastructure Using Urban Forestry. Robert Northrop, Extension Forester for University of Florida IFAS Extension, will deliver an introduction to the influence of the urban forest on storm water flows and water quality. Focus will be on the science that Extension agents can deliver in cities to affect storm water through specific urban forestry practices. read more .

National News

Carbon Sequestration Capacity of North American Forests Estimated

Researchers have calculated the capacity of North American forests to sequester carbon in a detailed analysis that for the first time integrates the effects of two key factors: the natural process of forest growth and regeneration, and climate changes that are likely to alter the growth process over the next 60 years . read the report .

Funding Opportunities

AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program Grant Available

Approximately $182 million is available in funding from NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), which is America’s flagship competitive grants program that provides funding for fundamental and applied research, education, and extension projects in the food and agricultural sciences. read more .

Southern Regional Extension Forestry | www.sref.info | whubbard@sref.info