Forestry

  New Jersey maintains a diversity of plant and animal species by ensuring habitat for native species and actively managing invasive species. Atlantic white-cedar stands, which are currently being restored, play a critical role in the state's biodiversity, benefiting various plant and animal species, including several that are threatened and endangered. Despite forests being the…… Continue reading →

Jefferson Conservation District (JCD) in Colorado, in collaboration with partners, has secured federal grants totaling over $19 million to address forest restoration, wildlife habitat preservation, and wildfire mitigation across the Northern Front Range. This initiative, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) aims to thin out dense forests on private lands,…… Continue reading →

In response to the devastating wildfires that swept through California's North Bay Counties in October 2017, local partners including the Napa Resource Conservation District (RCD) created the North Bay Forest Improvement Program (NBFIP). The NBFIP is a collaboration between Napa RCD, Mendocino RCD, and Sonoma RCD, along with the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC)…… Continue reading →

In November 2021, the Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District (ASWCD) in Alaska was re-established with a renewed focus on addressing local environmental challenges. The district has swiftly expanded its team, with four experienced employees specializing in natural resource management. Current initiatives include the Invasive Species Program, Urban Agriculture Program, and Native Plants Program, along…… Continue reading →

In the heart of Kentucky, Boone County is home to an array of habitats, from lush forests to meandering streams. These natural areas play a crucial role in preserving local biodiversity and enhancing the quality of life for its residents and at the forefront of conservation efforts in Boone County is the Boone County Conservation…… Continue reading →

  Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) in Minnesota recently announced a new project trialing the application of biochar with a USDA Forest Service Wood Innovation grant. Brad Matlack, District Manager of CSWCD is a dedicated conservationist with over two decades of experience under his belt. Over the last several years, he’s spearheaded a…… Continue reading →

We are excited to announce the Massachusetts Town Forest Conference, a free event with registration and agenda available at bit.ly/3Kf27wZ. The conference promotes collaboration between professionals and volunteers who manage community forests, including foresters, planners, arborists, conservation commission members, land trusts, non-profit organizations, and forest landowners. It recognizes local efforts to enhance the climate resilience…… Continue reading →

Maine’s Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District helped coordinate a tree planting event on Arbor Day with elementary students from Lisbon Community School. “We planned a full schedule so all students would have time to be outside, learn about their local forest ecosystem, and participate in planting a native tree,” said Emma Lorusso, Androscoggin…… Continue reading →

By Mike Beacom The Appalachia Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition (ABFFC) is connecting forest farmers (both new and experienced) with one another across the East Coast, as well as supporting agencies and programs to enhance and grow the agroforestry practice. The coalition provides members with a network of resources including in-depth, multiday training and technical resources…… Continue reading →

Agroforestry has made its way into Snohomish Conservation District (WA), with landowner interest flourishing and new programs specific to forest farming in the works. The conservation district has been implementing about a half a dozen agroforestry practices around the north Puget Sound for the past five years, but the rising interest in forest farming is…… Continue reading →