Join us as we dive into a variety of educational topics and learn more about how we can be better stewards of West Virginia's woodlands.
Tuesday, February 9
6 to 8:30 p.m.
This online seminar has been approved for the following continuing education credits:
- SAF CFEs: 2 credits in Category 1
- WVDA Pesticide Credits: 4 credits in Categories 3, 7, 11, PA; 3 credits in Category 13C; 1 credit in Category 6
- ISA Credits: Available
Below is an overview of each session during the seminar. Registration must be completed ahead of time by completing the online registration form.
Agenda
6 p.m. Impact of Historical and Future Climate on Central Appalachian Red Spruce
Steve Chhin, WVU Assistant Professor of Quantitative Forest Management
Tree-ring analyses were used to examine the influence of historical and future climate on red spruce throughout the central Appalachians in West Virginia. This study involved field sampling of 18 sites across the red spruce’s range throughout Monongahela National Forest. The key project findings included that red spruce is negatively impacted by high summer temperatures, harsh winters and short growing seasons .
6:30 p.m. Healthy Forests, Healthy Streams
Kelly Flaherty, Director, Save the Tygart Watershed Association
In the U.S., around two-thirds of our freshwater resources originate in forested landscapes. In this presentation, director of the Save the Tygart Watershed Association, Kelley Flaherty will provide an overview of the role of forests in watershed management, including stormwater control, phytoremediation, soil retention and the protection of cold-water fisheries.
7 p.m. Break/Questions and Answers
7:15 p.m. An Overview of Hardwood Markets
Matt Bumgardner, USDA Forest Service
From fine furniture to pallets, hardwoods are used in a variety of aesthetic and
industrial products. Markets for these products are dynamic and influenced by many
factors. This presentation will discuss trends in hardwood lumber production and
provide an overview of where hardwood trees go once harvested.
7:45 p.m. Biochar as a Soil Amendment in Restoration Activities
Shawn Grushecky, WVU Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Energy Land Management
This talk will detail the research related to biochar use in stream and wetland restoration
as well as a potential amendment to biomass plantings on former mine sites. This
research is being conducted as part of the USDA NIFA MASBio effort, which is a
collaborative research and outreach project between the USDA, West Virginia University,
Penn State University, Syracuse University and Virginia Tech in the Mid-Atlantic
region.
8:15 p.m. Questions and Answers