Forestlands are fundamental for healthy ecosystems

Forests are vulnerable to climate change, but when managed sustainably they can play an important role in mitigating climate change. Healthy trees provide oxygen by removing carbon dioxide from the air through photosynthesis. The carbon is stored in wood, plants and soil, helping to reduce carbon emissions. Land-grant universities are supplying research and outreach to improve our forestlands.

Here are a few examples of that work:

• The Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program, a partnership of University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, manages Vermont’s Big Tree list. This novelty list cultivates connections and generates interest in long-term stewardship of these forest giants.
  _{University of Vermont; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds and non-profit grants. See full statement.}
  
  
• To stem tree loss caused by storms and diseases in New York, Cornell University Extension trains volunteers in tree biology, identification, planting and maintenance for young trees. The CommuniTREE Steward Project encourages people to care for community trees. An online tree steward curriculum helps individuals to learn at their own pace and provides communities and organizations with a flexible training option.
  _{Cornell University; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• The Urban and Community Forestry team at the University of Connecticut is dedicated to promoting the communal management of urban forests to create just, equitable and resilient cities. A suite of resources and hands-on events help empower and elevate voices in municipalities that are nature-deprived and financially depressed.
  _{University of Connecticut; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• University of Kentucky Extension educates forest owners through the weekly webcast “From the Woods Today.” The show covers a broad range of topics and airs on Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube to allow viewers to interact directly with hosts and presenters. Since 2020, over 9,273 viewers have watched a live episode. The show has gained over 7,600 subscribers and has had over 973,600 views on YouTube.
  _{University of Kentucky; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}

Generation NEXT on tap to save Virginia forestlands

Two-thirds of Virginia’s forests are privately owned and at risk of being lost during intergenerational transfers. Virginia Extension’s Generation NEXT program educates landowners, attorneys, accountants and natural resource professionals on legacy planning. Participants have a lower rate of forestland divisions and a higher rate of forest legacy planning compared to forest landowners who have not participated.
_{Virginia Tech; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}

Photo courtesy Mary Nichols, USDA.