Ecosystem Science and Management

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professor looks at pieces of wood

Private gift makes Penn State's wood collection one of world's largest

8/11/16

When Dennis Brett decided to keep his first block of wood, World War II had just ended and Harry Truman was president. By comparison, Penn State's modest wood collection, which has been enhanced as a result of Brett's generosity, was already about 40 years old by that time.

Forest Fest birding exhibit

Free Arboretum event to celebrate Pennsylvania's forests

8/23/13

Those interested in woodlands, trees, wildlife and other aspects of nature will come together next month on Penn State's University Park campus for Pennsylvania Forest Fest, a celebration of the state's vast forestlands. The free public event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, in and around the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, part of The Arboretum at Penn State, on the corner of Bigler Road and Park Avenue.

Timber Show Demo

Timber 2013 event offers education for forest-products professionals

5/17/13

A variety of workshops and demonstrations will provide valuable information to forest-products professionals who attend the 2013 Forest Products Equipment and Technology Exposition, June 7 to 8 at Penn State's Ag Progress Days site at Rock Springs. Known as Timber 2013, the bi-annual trade exposition is hosted by the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association.

Women on Penn State Woodsmen team

'Lumberjills' shine for Penn State Woodsmen Team

4/18/13

Two women from the Penn State Woodsmen Team placed first in their events at a competition in Syracuse, N.Y., on March 23, defeating their opponents in the women's obstacle course and women's stock saw.

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Expo to showcase Pennsylvania forest products industry

1/24/13

Preparations are under way for the 2013 Forest Products Equipment and Technology Exposition, which will be held June 7 and 8 at Penn State's Ag Progress Days site at Rock Springs.

Known as Timber 2013, the bi-annual trade exposition is hosted by the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association. Parking and admission are free.

Timber 2013 is an opportunity for owners and employees of forest-products companies to hone their business skills, learn about the latest production practices and see emerging technology, according to Penn State's Bob Oberheim, Timber 2013 manager.

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Research shows managed fire benefits forest carbon sequestration

11/28/12

With the current focus on carbon emissions affecting climate change and the critical role forests play in storing the element, a better understanding of the impact that fire has on the global carbon cycle is needed by policymakers, according to a researcher in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

As carbon registries, carbon credits and carbon trading become more important in the coming years, managed fire should play a major role in managing forests for both ecological and carbon-sequestration reasons, contends Matthew Hurteau, assistant professor of forest resources.

Hurteau -- who for six years has been studying carbon markets, the carbon cycle and forests' ability to lock up varying amounts of the element under changing conditions -- is seeking to alter perspectives about the effect of fire on carbon sequestration. His research has involved both field studies and modeling to address a range of topics, including forest carbon, wildfire, species diversity and productivity.

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In wake of Hurricane Sandy, disinfect contaminated wells

11/5/12

As the Northeast begins the recovery process in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, a water-quality specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences is urging those who rely on private water supplies to guard against possible flood contamination of their wells. In areas where flooding occurred, well owners should disinfect these water supplies before drinking water from them, according to Bryan Swistock, water resources extension associate.

Six named Outstanding Alumni by College of Ag Sciences

10/10/12

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has honored six of its graduates with 2012 Outstanding Alumni Awards. The awards recognize alumni for their achievements and provide opportunities for recipients to interact with the college's faculty, students and other alumni.

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Facing modern forest management challenges: mitigation, adaptation

7/6/12

Whether you can see the forest for the trees, the big picture of woodlands in the eastern United States shows a besieged ecosystem, according to an expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Forests are under stress, warned James Finley, Ibberson Professor of Forest Resources and director of the University's Center for Private Forests. They confront a wide range of challenges, from exotic insect pests and invasive plants to environmental conditions.