By Robert Bardon
As my colleagues and I cross the state we often encounter landowners who are overwhelmed by the complexities of owning forestland. Looking for answers to questions like; What’s killing my trees? Who can assist me in getting a management plan? How much are my trees worth? Over my 28-year career, I have received questions just like these from landowners just like you. So, whom should you turn to answer these types of questions? How do you know the information you will receive is based on research?
A great resource to turn to is NC State Extension Forestry. We have a wealth of information and resources so landowners can be better informed on various aspects of forestry and natural resources. Our mission is to extend research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. Through our work, as researchers and educators, we provide information and educational opportunities for adults and youth in the following program areas.
- Christmas Tree Production & Marketing – Promoting economic development through best management practices and sound business skills.
- Community Forestry – Improving the health of community forests through management and policy.
- Environmental Stewardship – Improving forest health and promoting natural resource-based alternative income opportunities.
- Family Forestry – Enhancing natural resource stewardship and improving economic well-being through active management.
- Youth Education – Connecting youth with the natural environment through 4-H and Project Learning Tree.
Much of the information we provide and the educational opportunities we make available are accessible online through our website at https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu. Visitors to the website can
- learn about upcoming workshops and events – https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/events/
- search our publication database – https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/publications/
- watch how-to videos – https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry-videos/
- learn from experts through live and on-demand webinars – https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry-webinars/
- find assistance – https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/people/
Our website has a wealth of information covering all aspects of forestry and forest management. We recommend you visit the site to see what we have to offer. Bookmark the website and visit it often.
In addition to the website, landowners and others can stay informed and up to date through our monthly Woodland Owner Notes e-Newsletter, a newsletter supporting private and family forest landowners in North Carolina. The newsletter provides timely updates on current forestry topics, upcoming events, and announcements on publications and other resources. The newsletter is produced and emailed by NC State Extension Forestry directly to your inbox. If you are not currently receiving our e-newsletter, please add yourself to our mailing list by subscribing at https://apps.ces.ncsu.edu/activecampaign/sign-up/4611AF/24/. You can also visit our newsletter archive at https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/woodland-owner-news/ to see previous issues.
If you are more inclined to use social media, we also are active on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn. To find us on:
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ncsu.extfor
- X (formerly known as Twitter) – https://twitter.com/NCSUExtForestry
- LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncsu-extension-forestry/
My colleagues and I created these resources to help you in the management of your forestland. By utilizing these resources and taking advantage of educational opportunities I am sure you will find that owning forestland is not as complex as it may seem. We hope you take full advantage of these resources and the educational opportunities we offer.