Education, Extension & Communication Bundle

Enjoy this curated set of on-demand presentations that focus on education, extension, and communications. This bundle will be updated as new content becomes available.

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Presentations

2016

Advocating for Forestry - Science Literacy Among the Public - Gregory Albert, American Forest Management

An Innovative Wood Utilization Educational Toolkit to Attain Healthy Forests and Sustainable Communities - Susan Guynn, Clemson University

Assessing Forestry Learning Needs Across Generations - Alanna Koshollek, Aldo Leopold Foundation

Communication – A Perspective from the Forestry Community - Thomas Hittle; Steigerwaldt Land Services, Inc.

Confessions of a Forestry Communications Award Winner - Robert Williams; Pine Creek Forestry, LLC

Ethnobotany as a Pathway for Attracting & Retaining Minority Students to Natural Resources - Sunshine Brosi, Forstburg State University

PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks, Protecting Future Forests - Susan Burks; Minnesota DNR, Forestry Division

The Heritage and Success of Wisconsin’s School Forest Program - Gretchen Marshall, Leaf Program: Wisconsin's' K-12 Forestry Education Program

2017

Analyzing Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Forestry BMPs in Georgia - Chantal Tumpach; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia

Stakeholder Opinions on Scientific Forest Management Implementation in Nepal - Omkar Joshi, Oklahoma State University

Water Quality Impacts on Outdoor Recreation in a Heavily Forested State: West Virginia, USA, Case Study - Jonas Leveque, West Virginia University

2018

A Case Study in Engaged Undergraduate Research on Small- and Medium-Scale Non-Timber Forest Product Production - Jessica Leahy, University of Maine

Natural Resources Professional Societies' Visual Portrayal Online: Are They Representative? - Tara Bal, Michigan Technological University

Throw Out the Cookbook to Learn GIS - Peter Linehan, Penn State University

2019

A New Interagency Model: The Ohio Oak Collaborative - Cotton Randall, Ohio Division of Forestry

Engaging Ohio’s Appalachian Woodland Communities through Innovative Outreach: Ohio Oak Collaborative - David Apsley, Ohio State University Extension

Enrollment Trends in Natural Resources Degree Programs in the U.S. with an Emphasis on Diversity - Terry Sharik, Michigan Technological University

Extension Initiative for Wildland Fire Education/Outreach Collaboration - Shannon Murray, Oregon State Forestry Extension

Growing our Forestry Programs for the Next Generation - Pat Stephens Williams, Stephen F. Austin State University

Increasing Participation of Minority Farmers in Forestry Programs of Oktibbeha County - Thomas Nyatta, Mississippi State Extension Service

Learning about Natural Resources through Adventure Recreation - Robert Burns, West Virginia University

Mushroom Production Added Value to Forest in Oktibbeha County - Thomas Nyatta, Mississippi State Extension Service

Reforestation of Degraded Lands in Micronesia - JB Friday, University of Hawai'i

2020

An Extension Program to Protect Forest Health in Hawaii - JB Friday, University of Hawai'i

Changing the Conversation: Enhanced Learning through Inclusion of Cultural Science - tish carr, Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS)

Demonstrating the Public Benefit of Extension Forestry Programming through Transfer of Ecosystem Services Values - Daniel Goerlich, Virginia Cooperative Extension

Online Learning in Applied Forestry (OLAF): An Education Tool - Krista Merry; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry

2022

Forest Owner Carbon and Climate Education (FOCCE) Program - Melissa Kreye, Pennsylvania State University

Creating a Virtual Fire Science Training Opportunity for Southeastern Extension Professionals and Others - Hope Miller, University of Florida

The Role of Complexity in Life-Long Learning and Research in Silviculture - Marcella Windmuller-Campione

Strengthening The Mosaic By Weaving Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science - tish carr, Wabanaki Youth in Science

Empowering Outreach Techniques to Reach Diverse Audiences - Candra Burns, Appalachian SAF

Online Learning in Applied Forestry (OLAF): Student Experiences with the System - Pete Bettinger, University of Georgia

Enrollment Update from Natural Resources Degree Programs Through the Pandemic: How Has it Impacted Students? - Tara Bal, Michigan Technological University

SAF Accreditation -  Standards and Process - Jocelyn Harris, Society of American Foresters

Engaging Young People in Forest Education: How 1 Public High School has Made People and Trees a Centerpiece of Learning - Van Wagner, Penn State University

2023

Challenges and Opportunities for Integrating Ecological Connectivity into U.S Forest Service Planning and Management - Braden Hance, Center for Large Landscape Conservation

Global Forest Visualization: From Green Marbles to Storyworlds - Lynda Olman, University of Nevada Reno

Landowners Want To Give Farms, Ranches, Forests, and Money: Don’t Blunder Research and Demonstration Opportunities - Andrew Perleberg, Washington State University

Reaching Members, Potential New Members, and the Public Through Social Media - Trisha Markus, Clemson University

Changing the Image of Forestry One Classroom at a Time: An Applied High School Curriculum - Jared Schroeder, Wisconsin Forestry Center

Growing and Diversifying Your Workforce - Ian Leahy, American Forests and Tia Washington

SilviCast: Bridging Science and Practice Through Podcasting - Bradley Hutnik, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry; Gregory Edge, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; and Megan Espe, Wisconsin Forestry Center, UW - Stevens Point

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2016
Advocating for Forestry - Science Literacy Among the Public
Open to view video.  |  29 minutes
Open to view video.  |  29 minutes This talk will explore the history of American forestry and its impact on forest cover and forest health, drawing on data and my own experiences; with an ultimate goal of arming the audience with talking points they can use to defend and advocate for our industry. Presented by Gregory Albert, American Forest Management at the 2016 SAF National Convention in Madison, WI.
An Innovative Wood Utilization Educational Toolkit to Attain Healthy Forests and Sustainable Communities
Open to view video.  |  27 minutes
Open to view video.  |  27 minutes Funded by the Renewable Resources Extension Act, this project provides training materials in wood utilization and sustainability in order to educate all types of extension agents in the Southeast US about the benefits of using wood for construction. The agents can then be advocates and educators for wood use to promote healthy forests. Presented by Susan Guynn, Clemson University at the 2016 SAF National Convention in Madison, WI.
Assessing Forestry Learning Needs Across Generations
Open to view video.  |  29 minutes
Open to view video.  |  29 minutes Are you in the role of providing professional development training for foresters and resource professionals?  Looking for new ideas? Join this session to learn more about similarities and differences in training needs, preferred methods of learning, and perceptions of future challenges in the profession across generations of professionals. Presented by Alanna Koshollek, Aldo Leopold Foundation at the 2016 SAF National Convention in Madison, WI.
Communication – A Perspective from the Forestry Community
Open to view video.  |  26 minutes
Open to view video.  |  26 minutes This presentation covers the importance of communicating and working with people and how changes in the forestry community have altered this over the last 30 years and how it may continue to evolve with future generations. It addresses communication needs for working with landowners, clients and other forestry professionals. Presented by Thomas Hittle, Steigerwaldt Land Services, Inc at the 2016 SAF National Convention in Madison, WI.
Confessions of a Forestry Communications Award Winner
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes Foresters have a great story to tell but sometimes they don’t know how to tell it. Bob Williams, recipient of SAF’s 2015 Outstanding Communicator Award, will discuss how he regularly shares the forestry story with local media so his community can better understand the benefits of forestry and how foresters. Presented by Robert Williams, Pine Creek Forestry, LLC at the 2016 SAF National Convention in Madison, WI.
Ethnobotany as a Pathway for Attracting & Retaining Minority Students to Natural Resources
Open to view video.  |  16 minutes
Open to view video.  |  16 minutes Ethnobotany: the study of the interactions between people and plants provides a unique opportunity to introduce forestry to a broad range of students from the existing multicultural mosaic. A freshman-level Ethnobotany course not only introduces the basics of botany, sustainability, and forest ecology but also incorporates appreciation of various worldviews. Presented by Sunshine Brosi, Frostburg State University at the 2016 SAF National Convention in Madison, WI.
PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks, Protecting Future Forests
Open to view video.  |  26 minutes
Open to view video.  |  26 minutes Invasive Species are already among the greatest threats to future forest sustainability we face and climate change will make matters worse.  PlayCleanGo is an ourtreach campaign which can foster sustainable behaviors among trail users, like Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! has among boaters.  Come learn how you can help protect your forests. Presented by Susan Burks, MNDNR, Forestry Division at the 2016 SAF National Convention in Madison, WI.
The Heritage and Success of Wisconsin’s School Forest Program
Open to view video.  |  30 minutes
Open to view video.  |  30 minutes The Wisconsin School Forest Program has a long, proud legacy that showcases how sustainable forest management and education can be combined. Discover how this reforestation program, which began in the 1920s as a result of overharvesting, has evolved to become a part of Wisconsin’s state statutes and is thriving today. Presented by Gretchen Marshall, LEAF Program: Wisconsin's K-12 Forestry Education Program at the 2016 SAF National Convention in Madison, WI.
2017
Analyzing Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Forestry BMPs in Georgia
Open to view video.  |  29 minutes
Open to view video.  |  29 minutes We assessed loggers’ and foresters’ perceptions of Georgia forestry BMPs using the SWOT-AHP method. Both stakeholder groups agreed on the strength of BMPs improving the reputation of the logging community; however, differences exist among their respective rankings of factors under the SWOT categories of weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Presented by Chantal Tumpach, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia at the 2017 SAF National Convention in Albuquerque, NM.
Stakeholder Opinions on Scientific Forest Management Implementation in Nepal
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes Existing forest management in Nepal largely follows protection-oriented modality. As the nation relies on imports to meet the soaring timber demand, a new scientific forest management (SFM) initiative has been recently started. The focus of this study is to reveal stakeholder perceptions associated with SFM initiatives. Presented by Omkar Joshi, Oklahoma State University at the 2017 SAF National Convention in Albuquerque, NM.
Water Quality Impacts on Outdoor Recreation in a Heavily Forested State: West Virginia, USA, Case Study
Open to view video.  |  18 minutes
Open to view video.  |  18 minutes This study aims at understanding whether recreationists' intention to recreate in rivers, lakes or streams in West Virginia is affected by their water quality perceptions. Understanding this link is crucial for decision-makers in a state where economic sectors compete for natural resources management. Presented by Jonas Leveque, West Virginia University at the 2017 SAF National Convention in Albuquerque, NM.
2018
A Case Study in Engaged Undergraduate Research on Small- and Medium-Scale Non-Timber Forest Product Production
Open to view video.  |  11 minutes
Open to view video.  |  11 minutes Maple syrup production, the iconic New England non-timber forest product (NTFP), is characterized by many hobbyist and other small-scale producers and several large-scale producers. Medium-scale producers are few and far between raising questions about the barriers and opportunities that exist at the small- and medium-scale production levels. This science flash will present information about an integrated project with research, education and extension objectives. The research component increases understanding of the production and marketing challenges and opportunities for small- and medium- scale maple syrup producers. The education component involves engaged research carried out by undergraduate students from the University of Maine's Honors College and the College of the Atlantic. The educational program was carefully designed to increase the research skills of undergraduate students, along with the ability to work with stakeholders. The extension component is focused on knowledge-to-action principles to help small- and medium-scale producers manage their scale decisions. Our Science Flash presentation will share this project using a case study approach. The presentation will be of interest to forest researchers who are interested in non-timber forest products, family forests, small-scale forestry and integrated projects. It will also be relevant to forestry educators who want to learn more about engaged research models and trainings that work well with undergraduate students. Finally, foresters and other forest managers will be interested in the scale management aspects of this presentation to help their clients who are at small and medium-sized NTFP production levels. Presented by Jessica Leahy, University of Maine at the 2018 SAF National Convention in Portland, OR.
Natural Resources Professional Societies’ Visual Portrayal Online: Are They Representative?
Open to view video.  |  9 minutes
Open to view video.  |  9 minutes A website visual content analysis was conducted for multiple, natural resources-related professional societies, including the Society of American Foresters. A similar review was conducted for U.S. higher education institutions that offer degree programs in various natural resource related fields, including forestry. For colleges and universities, women and minorities are more likely to be underrepresented on forestry web pages compared to other natural resource fields. For professional societies and organizations, women and minorities are more likely to be overrepresented based on membership or US demographics, though looking further, women and minorities are significantly underrepresented on the leadership or ‘about’ webpages for most professional societies. A direct relationship between web site image diversity and program enrollment or membership likely includes many other factors. However, web sites are a primary communication and marketing tool, essentially the first exposure many people have to a career field, to a program, or to a professional group they may be considering. A common lack of diversity portrayal in natural resources and forestry fields will likely not help shift societies’ view that these are critical fields for economic growth, future employment, and quality of life. Presented by Tara Bal, Michigan Technological University at the 2018 SAF National Convention in Portland, OR.
Throw Out the Cookbook to Learn GIS
Open to view video.  |  7 minutes
Open to view video.  |  7 minutes GIS (Geographic Information Systems) has become a critical skill for forestry students to master. It is made up of a number of complicated software tools to both map and analyze geographic features and georeferenced information. To learn GIS students need to master complicated data concepts and often confusing software. It is easier for students to rely on a cookbook approach where they slavishly follow step by step instructions, but don't quite understand what they are doing. To advance in GIS, students must develop critical thinking skills to search for solutions and experiment until they are successful. The software is always changing, which means a GIS analyst needs to understand the background concepts, not just a series of steps. In the work world students will have to use creativity and experimentation to analyze and solve new problems. This presentation will discuss approaches to encourage undergraduate forestry students to move beyond cookbook solutions and use critical thinking and problem solving in their work. Presented by Peter Linehan, Penn State University at the 2018 SAF National Convention in Portland, OR.
2019
A New Interagency Model: The Ohio Oak Collaborative
Open to view video.  |  25 minutes
Open to view video.  |  25 minutes An MOU between the Ohio Division of Forestry, the state’s NRCS office, and the Wayne National Forest formed the Ohio Joint Forestry Team in 2008, shortly after the national Joint Forestry Team was formed.  That initial MOU led to good successes in invasive plant treatments in targeted landscapes, joint aerial mapping projects, and enhanced partnerships, and the group was recognized with the Two Chiefs Partnership Award in 2010.  In 2015, the team was chosen as one of the National Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnerships to achieve collaborative oak management in southeastern Ohio. This work has catalyzed a new way to do business and expanded agency membership in the team to include US Forest Service Research and State & Private Forestry, Cooperative Extension, and the Ohio Division of Wildlife.  The team, now called the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team, is charting the way forward under an interagency business model that includes the following four elements: 1) a well-defined team structure from working groups to leadership; 2) a regional science framework of data, tools, and training; 3) coordinated outreach and communication; and 4) landscape conservation strategies that set long-term priorities and align annual programs of work among partner agencies. The new model also utilizes a collaborative leadership approach and an adaptive management planning cycle.  It is already resulting in successful conservation in Ohio and could serve as a starting template for other states or partnerships. Presented by Cotton Randall, Ohio Division of Forestry, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Engaging Ohio’s Appalachian Woodland Communities through Innovative Outreach: Ohio Oak Collaborative
Open to view video.  |  27 minutes
Open to view video.  |  27 minutes Outreach is crucial to the successful coordination and implementation of the Ohio Interagency Forestry Team’s efforts to conserve our oak-hickory ecosystems through shared stewardship. Appalachian Ohio’s oak-hickory forests are at a tipping point for a number of reasons including poor timber harvesting practices, lack of active management, absence of fire, and an increase in non-native invasive species. Cooperative Extension, including The Ohio State University (OSU) and Central State University, is leading and coordinating the outreach and education efforts on behalf of the team. Since 72% of the forest acreage in the region is owned by individuals and families, we are placing emphasis on socioeconomic research, outreach and education that encourages the sustainable management of forest resources. We are working with social science researchers at OSU, U.S. Forest Service, and The Sustaining Family Forests Initiative and their TELE (Tools for Engaging Landowners Effectively) team to develop a targeted marketing and communications strategy to effectively engage woodland owners and the Appalachian community. We developed the tagline: “The future of oak is in our hands”, which we plan to incorporate in all of our marketing, outreach and engagement efforts. We are now using the targeted marketing and communications plan to support and expand outreach programs, which include: consistent key messaging, an oak fact sheet series, including landowners in the outreach process, and focused programming. One program, A DAY in the WOODS, has provided 60 day long programs reaching 2,500 family forest owners who own more than 110,000 acres of woodlands in the region. Presented by David Apsley, Ohio State University Extension, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Enrollment Trends in Natural Resources Degree Programs in the U.S. with an Emphasis on Diversity
Open to view video.  |  42 minutes
Open to view video.  |  42 minutes We examined undergraduate enrollment trends in over 50 natural resource (NR) academic programs in the U.S. from 1980 to 2017.  Forestry made up nearly half the enrollment in these programs in 1980, but deceased to where it is now only about 16%.  The fastest growing academic areas in NR since 2005 have been Fisheries and Wildlife, NR Conservation and Management, and Environmental Science and Studies, which now collectively make up nearly three-quarters of all NR enrollment.  Percent female enrollment has been increasing steadily since 2005 and now constitutes about 45% of total enrollment.  Most of this increase has occurred in the overall fastest growing academic areas noted above, with Forestry having the lowest percent females among all NR disciplines.  Minority enrollment has been increasing more rapidly than Non-Hispanic Caucasian enrollment since 2005, and now constitutes about 14% of all NR enrollment.  While these gains are notable, the percent minority enrollment in NR remains among the lowest of all areas of study in higher education.   Unlike gender, differences in percent minorities among NR areas of study is relatively small.  Hispanics constitute the greatest number of minorities in NR, followed by Asians, Blacks, and Native Americans.  However, when adjusted for the number of 18-24-year-olds in the population, these rankings change to where Native Americans are proportionately best represented and Blacks least well represented.  Minority groups differ in the academic areas of study they prefer based on enrollment numbers.  We discuss the implications of these results for the NR professions. Presented by Terry Sharik, Michigan Technological University, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Extension Initiative for Wildland Fire Education/Outreach Collaboration
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes Wildland fire issues are a pressing concern for Cooperative Extension professionals and the people they serve across the country. A combination of factors, including the exclusion of fire, drought, climate change, and more people living near natural areas, have helped create conditions that allow catastrophic wildfires to burn in places as diverse as California and Tennessee. These fires are causing human, environmental, and financial impacts unimaginable just five years ago. Meanwhile the need for prescribed fire is increasingly being recognized across the nation, not only to prevent these catastrophic wildfires, but to create and maintain healthy ecosystems. Since Extension is tasked with meeting community needs and serves as a trusted resource, it can and should play an active role in working with landowners and communities on wildland fire issues. This Wildland Fire Initiative, which is part of a professional natural resources Extension organization (ANREP),  is a starting point to work on these issues from the natural resource perspective, while also considering ways to include community development Extension professionals to create a more holistic lens through which to work with communities on these issues. Wildland fire issues will continue to be of great concern across the nation as the factors that have caused them, including climate change and the expansion of development into natural areas, remain. Extension professionals have an obligation to their communities to address these issues through community-based solutions. Working across Extension organizations to achieve this offers a much greater opportunity for success than working within siloed areas of interest.  Presented by Shannon Murray, Oregon State Forestry Extension, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Growing our Forestry Programs for the Next Generation
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes The best possible way to prepare foresters and other natural resource professionals to serve the current and future needs of the profession, society, and a healthy, sustainable forest has been a point of contention since the Society of American Foresters began their discussions of the matter in 1900. As that debate has progressed, so has expansion of the definition of forestry as a profession. In 1958 forestry was defined as the “scientific management of forests for continuous production of goods and services,” (Dana & Johnson, 1963). The same study (Dana & Johnson) was the last comprehensive look at forestry education programs in America – until now. As part of a McIntire-Stennis project, this study takes a look at current forestry education programs. This presentation provides a look at the design of the entire study and the results from Phase I of this comprehensive study administered in 1919, the survey of the administrators of current SAF accredited undergraduate programs. This survey asked administrators questions about program design such as general, technical, and professional practice requirements; challenges; innovations; science of teaching and learning insights, and other questions suggested by a preliminary survey of what administrators wanted to know about other programs. The results not only provide information on the state and needs of current programs, but also set the stage for Phase II: Faculty Survey to be administered in 2020. Presented by Pat Stephens Williams, Stephen F. Austin State University, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Increasing Participation of Minority Farmers in Forestry Programs of Oktibbeha County
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes Oktibbeha County Forestry Association (OCAF) was formed in 1972, to provide the forest farmers with educational programs. Like in other extension programs its objective is to interpret scientific research results to the community in a way they can understand. Extension continuously improves on the delivery of educational programs and prioritizes these both internally and externally. Nevertheless, a major challenge is lack of diversity in the membership of OCAF. Attracting minority producers to forest extension programs in Oktibbeha County has been one of its most challenging task. The demographics in the programs are either all white or all black. To this end there was a dire need to come up with ways to change this bias. We explore practical approaches to attract diverse demographics to forestry programs. Starting 2017, we applied Intentionally Integrating Diversity Extension Program Logic Model (2iDEP). 2iDEP Logic Model was adopted from Michigan State University Extension. The result from a two year observation shows an increase in diversity of membership and attendees of the OCAF programs.  In the first year, 10% of the membership was made up of participants of color while in 2018 the figure rose to 15%. We therefore conclude that application of the 2iDEP logic model have significantly improved diversity in OCAF. We recommend that this tool should be used in similar case studies. Presented by Thomas Nyatta, Mississippi State Extension Service, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Learning about Natural Resources through Adventure Recreation
Open to view video.  |  17 minutes
Open to view video.  |  17 minutes The inaugural Appalachian Geo-STEM Camp (AGC) was designed to engage high school students in geoscience-oriented Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities through adventure-based outdoor recreation, the inaugural AGC took place in June 2018, with its base operations at a major university located in northeastern West Virginia.  The goals of the AGC were to increase the knowledge of the teenaged campers about the geological formations and biodiversity in the region, to acquaint them with geologic mapping technology used by the United States Geological Service (USGS), and to foster interest in STEM-based careers.  Nine students participated, with a cadre from the USGS, state-level geologists, and university educators teaching lessons in local geology and ecology—all while the students were participating in outdoor recreation on a university research forest.  Maltese and Tai (2011), Bean et al. (2016), and Sahin et al. (2017) suggested that adolescent children can benefit from solving scientific problems in an experiential setting where they are able to learn in a natural or other “real-world” environments. Objectives of the AGC pilot program were met:  all the students successfully completed the five-day camp, indicating that the camp functioned logistically well. The inclusion of a formal evaluative process in 2019 will add quantification for educational success and sustainability of the program, while continuing to support the stated goal of the USGS its partners to increase interest in the natural resources and geosciences in America’s youth. Presented by Robert Burns, West Virginia University, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Mushroom Production Added Value to Forest in Oktibbeha County
Open to view video.  |  16 minutes
Open to view video.  |  16 minutes From the time forest trees are planted in farmer’s life time, they will harvest the crop once or twice at most .There is an increased need for sustainable production of non-timber forest products in natural forests and managed tree farms to provide the forest farmer with a continuous source of income as they wait for the trees to be ready for harvest.  We surveyed forest farmers and tree owners in North East Mississippi to explore their knowledge of Mushroom production and their level of interest in this endeavor. In 2018 and 2019, mushroom workshops were conducted   following   a preliminary needs survey which was done to assess the need for knowledge is mushroom production of the forest farmers in Oktibbeha County. 67 % of the sample population surveyed indicated that they are interested to learn how to grow mushrooms. 80% said they eat mushrooms in one form or another, while 99 % of the respondents said that they had never attended a mushroom cultivation workshop. We present the results of the survey and the success stories from the mushroom workshops in April 24, 2018 and March 22, 2019. The attendees in both workshops were from 3 different neighboring counties. We recommend that the other counties in Mississippi which have not adapted mushroom production workshop use the model applied in Oktibbeha County. Presented by Thomas Nyatta, Mississippi State Extension Service, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
Reforestation of Degraded Lands in Micronesia
Open to view video.  |  21 minutes
Open to view video.  |  21 minutes The American-affiliated Pacific Islands of Guam, the Marianas, Palau, and Micronesia suffer from seasonal droughts and widespread wildfires. Grasslands replace forests in burnt areas and are prone to subsequent fires. Soil from eroding burnt areas covers nearby coral reefs, threatening fisheries and local people's livelihoods. Forestry agencies and communities in the Pacific have been working to break the grass-fire cycle through reforestation programs in degraded areas and community outreach and engagement programs. With technical help from the USDA Forest Service Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources program and the University of Hawaii, local forestry agencies have improved seedling production and quality by switching to growing seedlings in forestry containers with potting mix rather than in poly bags with soil as is typical in tropical nurseries, installing irrigation systems, and broadening the species mix of seedlings by including an array of native species in addition to pan-tropical trees. Because reforestation sites often include soils with very different characteristics, reforestation programs have begun soil testing to determine where increased levels of liming and fertilization are necessary. Because most fires are human caused, agencies are working with local communities to change local perceptions about wildfire. Having school groups and local community groups plant trees gives them ownership of reforestation efforts. The improved technologies and increased community engagement have resulted in greater success in reforestation of degraded lands in the western Pacific. Presented by JB Friday, University of Hawai'i, at the 2019 SAF National Convention, Louisville, KY.
2020
An Extension Program to Protect Forest Health in Hawai'i
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes
Open to view video.  |  28 minutes A new disease called Rapid Ohia Death is decimating forests of Hawaii's most important native tree, ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha). We designed an extension program to 1) make forest landowners aware of the disease 2) decrease human movement of the pathogens and 3) increase public support for agency measures taken to limit spread of the disease. In addition to forest landowners, we targeted groups who would be most likely to inadvertently move the pathogens, including eco-tour operators. Eco-tour operators bring visitors into the most remote and pristine areas of the islands, and their clientele are receptive to measures needed to protect these areas. Because the disease, along with weed seeds and pests such as invasive ants may be moved with soil, we taught decontamination techniques to clean vehicles and gear before traveling to native forests. We conducted eight workshops, but the operators themselves have now reached thousands of tourists and island residents. Evidence is emerging that high populations of feral game animals such as pigs, goats, and sheep in native forests create wounds on trees where the pathogens can enter. While fencing and feral animal removal has been shown to be effective in protecting the forest from disease, these actions reduce hunting opportunities for local communities. We reached out to hunting groups to discuss common values and what compromises can be made between protecting the most pristine forest areas and providing access for hunting. Because the ohia is revered in Native Hawaiian cultural traditions, we worked with Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners to incorporate cultural values into our extension programs. Currently, with social distancing, we are working to move our extension programs online with webinars and social media including Facebook and Instagram. Presented by JB Friday, University of Hawai'i at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Changing the Conversation: Enhanced Learning through Inclusion of Cultural Science
Open to view video.  |  25 minutes
Open to view video.  |  25 minutes Can the addition of Cultural Science (aka Traditional Ecological Knowledge) into western academics, as an integrated component, have a significant impact on Native and non-Native student learning? Can non-Native youth, once familiar with and understanding the appropriate use of cultural science, make better decision-making processes in STEM workplaces? Many federal agencies and organizations require collaboration with Indigenous groups and Tribal Nations, and still have trouble integrating federal scientific mandates with tribal science and experience. By educating future land stewards, enhanced conversations and mutual decisions can occur. Utilizing mixed methods, research over the last two years charted the value inclusion of cultural science (CS) enhanced learning for Native and non-Native youth to increase learning within academics and future careers utilizing a framework established over the last seven years through the Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) program. Why this framework? There has been a 15% increase in the number of Native youth attending post-secondary education at the University of Maine over the last few years, some of which can be attributed to this successful Wabanaki high school program. The majority of the Wabanaki students have focused on science, with a number focusing on environmental science and/or forestry specifically. Reflecting on research in three forestry courses at the School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine over a 16- month period, answers to these questions are crystalizing. Short -term research followed the changes in beliefs for Native and non-Native students as it revolved around the relationship of cultural science to western science within these specific courses. Pre and post assessments as well as student reflections (Native and non-Native) were utilized to determine whether learning was enhanced with the inclusion of CS. Creation of best practices follows as research indicated that the more connection students had with the inclusion of CS, the more learning occurred. Presented by tish carr, Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Demonstrating the Public Benefit of Extension Forestry Programming through Transfer of Ecosystem Services Values
Open to view video.  |  29 minutes
Open to view video.  |  29 minutes Cooperative Extension produces public value through educational programming that benefits the greater community. Forests provide numerous valuable benefits to society through the provision of ecosystem services such as clean air, aesthetic beauty, and clean water. Cooperative Extension educational programming positively impacts forest owners, who in turn conduct actions that enhance ecosystem services. An understudied relationship exists between Cooperative Extension and ecosystem services that provides opportunity for mutual benefit. Applying ecosystem services values to Extension natural resources-related programmatic outcomes through benefit transfer—a process by which monetary values from primary studies are applied to similar sites where original studies are not possible due to high costs or time constraints--provides an avenue for Extension to apply monetary values to the public benefits it provides. Beyond serving simply as a source of financial justification, however, linkages with ecosystem services also provide Cooperative Extension with opportunities to improve the design and delivery of educational programs, do a better job articulating an array of public benefits resulting from agency accomplishments, and optimize allocation of sparse resources and Extension efforts. Presented by Daniel Goerlich, Virginia Cooperative Extension at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
Online Learning in Applied Forestry (OLAF): An Education Tool
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Open to view video.  |  27 minutes Online Learning in Applied Forestry (OLAF) is an internet-based learning system developed for private landowners, extension agents, educators, and foresters to provide an Internet-based avenue for learning (and refreshing one's mind) about land and tree measurement techniques and processes. Funded through the USDA AFRI Foundational Program under the priority area of Agricultural Economics and Rural Communities (AERC), OLAF’s objective is to provide a resource for the public to gain knowledge and skills about methods for estimating forest resources on their property. This education tool covers topics including tree and wood-related measurements, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), land survey systems, land measurements, sampling, and basic statistics. OLAF is developed to allow users to earn continuing education credits and contains a suite of tools for assessing knowledge and skills including puzzles, quizzes, and final exams. Currently a beta version of the learning system developed in WordPress using the LearnDash learning management system is available at http://olaf.uga.edu. This presentation will provide an overview and demonstration of the OLAF tool, and thoughts on how we plan to gauge its effectiveness in assisting small and medium sized forest landowners. Presented by Krista Merry, University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the 2020 SAF Virtual Convention.
2022
Forest Owner Carbon and Climate Education (FOCCE) Program
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  24 minutes This is an overview of the new Forest Owner Carbon and Climate Education prorgam, a collaborative education program by extension professionals at thirteen land grant universities and three USDA climate hubs. The talk will feature program goals, educational objectives and approach and links to new resources and products. Presented by Calvin Norman, Pennsylvania State University at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Creating a Virtual Fire Science Training Opportunity for Southeastern Extension Professionals and Others
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  21 minutes Researchers with Southern Fire Exchange, a regional fire science exchange, conducted an interview-based needs assessment of southeastern Extension agents to identify how we can increase Extension’s capacity for wildland fire outreach. This presentation explores the interview results and describes the format and initial feedback for the subsequent online training course. Presented by Hope Miller, University of Florida at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
The Role of Complexity in Life-Long Learning and Research in Silviculture
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  26 minutes The discipline of silviculture is ever evolving. New technologies, broader societal goals, and impacts due to climate change will require the current and future generations of silviculturists to embrace complexity. But what does that mean? Utilizing published literature, we reviewed past thoughts on complexity and consider future trends. Presented by Marcella Windmuller-Campione, University of Minnesota at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Strengthening The Mosaic By Weaving Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  22 minutes Continued research plus ten years of student development through the Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) program have indicated three key factors that increase Native American student success in post-secondary education: Mentorships, strong community connection for Indigenous students, and inclusion of Native American cultural values and science in the college curriculum. Presented by tish carr, Wabanaki Youth in Science at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Empowering Outreach Techniques to Reach Diverse Audiences
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  27 minutes There is a better way to engage with others and our communities. Our growing forestry sector needs to build a social license to be the voice. Sensitive topics need addressing. This session, by Candra Burns from Talking Forests, will discuss lessons from across the globe. Presented by Candra Burns, Appalachian SAF at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Online Learning in Applied Forestry (OLAF): Student Experiences with the System
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  22 minutes This presentation highlights the findings of surveys of the effectiveness and end-user satisfaction with the Online Learning in Applied Forestry (OLAF) system. Presented by Pete Bettinger, University of Georgia at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Enrollment Update from Natural Resources Degree Programs Through the Pandemic: How Has it Impacted Students?
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  20 minutes Our objective is to provide on update on higher education enrollment trends in natural resources-related programs through Fall 2021. This is a continuation of college enrollment updates from 2005 through the pandemic using USDA-NIFA FAEIS data focusing on National Association of University Forest Resources Program (NAUFRP) member-institutions. Presented by Tara Bal, Michigan Technological University at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
SAF Accreditation - Standards and Process
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  25 minutes This session will focus on the procedures, standards, and guidelines for the accreditation of educational programs in Professional Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resources and Ecosystem Management and Forest Technology by the Society of American Foresters. Topics will include 2021 accreditation standards and preparation of the self-evaluation for accreditation continuation. Presented by Jocelyn Harris, Society of American Foresters at the 2022 SAF National Convention in Baltimore, MD.
Engaging Young People in Forest Education: How 1 Public High School has Made People and Trees a Centerpiece of Learning
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  26 minutes
2023
Challenges and Opportunities for Integrating Ecological Connectivity into U.S Forest Service Planning and Management
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  22 minutes We conducted research on integrating ecological connectivity into U.S Forest Service planning andmanagement. Our findings address science, planning, management, partnerships, and regional coordinationdrawn from interviews with individuals from across levels of the agency and partner organizations, and ananalysis of 17 forest plans revised under the 2012 Rule. Presented by Braden Hance, Center for Large Landscape Conservation at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Global Forest Visualization: From Green Marbles to Storyworlds
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  22 minutes Global Forest Watch (GFW) is the premier open-source platform used to monitor both global and regional deforestation in near-real time. We collaborated with GFW developers and users to study the way GFW visualizes forests and to suggest ways to better incorporate the views of the people living in them. Presented by Lynda Olman, University of Nevada Reno at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Landowners Want To Give Farms, Ranches, Forests, and Money: Don’t Blunder Research and Demonstration Opportunities
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  23 minutes Family forests, farms, and ranches utilized for research and extension demonstrations are attractive and feasible estate planning goals. Foresters and extension specialists who develop strong bonds with families can help perpetuate their love of the land through charitable giving efforts. Openness to discuss succession planning is unexpectedly welcome by donors. Presented by Andrew Perleberg, Washington State University at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Reaching Members, Potential New Members, and the Public Through Social Media
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  14 minutes The Appalachian Society of American Forester's region uses a student internship program to share information about natural resource management with members and the public using Facebook and Instagram social media platforms. We report the successes and challenges of the program and usage demographics. Presented by Trisha Markus, Clemson University at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Changing the Image of Forestry One Classroom at a Time: An Applied High School Curriculum
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  18 minutes The Wisconsin Forestry Center (WFC) at UW- Stevens Point is creating an applied high school curriculum in forestry to address the need to increase recruitment into the forestry industries. This curriculum will give students hands-on experience with tree biology and identification, forest health, forest products, and silviculture. Presented by Jared Schroeder, Wisconsin Forestry Center at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
Growing and Diversifying Your Workforce
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  25 minutes To address the labor shortage in urban forestry, this session will introduce three initiatives to help employers recruit and retain workers from low income and underrepresented communities: the Tree Equity Workforce Network, free Arboriculture Pre-Employment Curriculum and the WorkForest Model providing 6-months wraparound support to new hires. Presented by Ian Leahy, American Forests and Tia Washington, DELETE at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.
SilviCast: Bridging Science and Practice Through Podcasting
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Select the "View Video" button to begin.  |  23 minutes What do “Woodlot Assassins,” “Climate Castaways,” and “Stocking Charts on Napkins” all have in common? If you listen to SilviCast, a podcast about all things silviculture, you know the answer. Learn how starting a podcast devoted to connecting researchers and forest management practitioners has created new avenues for continuing education. Presented by Bradley Hutnik, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry; Gregory Edge, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; and Megan Espe, Wisconsin Forestry Center, UW - Stevens Point at the 2023 SAF National Convention in Sacramento, CA.