Forest Management

As a state Program Leader for environmental, natural resources and Sea Grant programs, I work with over 40 professionals who have a wide variety of responsibilities from watersheds and climate, to home horticulture and aquaculture. What never ceases to amaze me is the connections and importance of trees and forests in what many of these educators do, even in areas you would not initially imagine. Today, more than ever, my “non-forester” colleagues are beginning to see that “trees indeed are the answer.”

In this issue, we look at bull thistle. It's a widespread invasive found throughout Maryland, where it has been declared a noxious weed.

In this issue, we look at plumeless thistle, also known as "spiny plumeless thistle." Its presence in Maryland might be more widespread than some reports suggest.

10,000 Days in Woods is an enjoyable and easy to read series of fifty-eight short stories of one man’s journey from childhood to that of professional forester.

Listed are some of the most common questions related to forest ecology and forest management.

Twenty-five years of "Branching Out" - read how it all started. Plus, read our "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" and "Invasives in Your Woodland," and take the Brain Tickler challenge. This and much more inside this issue.

August is a good time to assess the future of your woodlands, including the presence of invasive plants and insects, access to prevent or fight wildfires, and to learn more about them through our online courses.

Maryland is home to a diverse variety of native trees, plants and insects, as well as some unwelcome non-native interlopers. Listed are some of the most common questions we receive about both native and non-native species.

Read about some of the changes to the Woodland Stewardship Education program and News and Notes about stories you might have missed. Our regular features include the Woodland Wildlife Spotlight and Invasives in Your Woodland, and the Brain Tickler challenge. 

The News and Notes roundup for this issue features a look at the upcoming schedule for our Woodland & Wildlife Wednesday webinars, how you can get your green industry business listed with the Woodland Stewardship Education program's online directory, the growth of women leading state forestry agencies across the nation, and the benefits of bringing back fire to help restore eastern woodland habitats.