Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

05/28/2026

Protecting Alabama's pine forests through innovative science! 🌲✨

Auburn University's brown spot needle blight research team has completed the initial phase of a groundbreaking study that's changing how we understand and manage forest disease. Led by Dr. Lori Eckhardt with CFWE faculty Drs. Lana Narine, Janna Willoughby, and Joseph Fan, this work is delivering practical solutions to protect the Southeast's forest economy. 🔬🌿

The research revealed that needle blight is far more complex than previously understood—involving multiple fungi that interact with each other and the environment. By studying nearly 100 fungal genomes and using advanced drone technology with machine learning, the team achieved over 90% accuracy in detecting and mapping disease severity. 📡

Doctoral students leading this effort: Jaden King, Swati Singh, Temitope Folorunso, and Gabriel Silva, have produced comprehensive datasets and new tools that will help landowners detect disease early and make informed management decisions. 📊

Learn more about the CFWE's needle blight research: https://cfwe.auburn.edu/auburn-researchers-advance-detection-and-control-strategies-to-protect-regional-forests/

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Auburn University has completed the initial phase of its brown spot needle blight (BSNB) research study, delivering actionable results to industry that will help tame the proliferation of the needle blight now decimating pine forests across the southeast.

05/27/2026

Auburn forestry students are laying the groundwork this summer for their future careers through hands-on experiences at Forestry Summer Practicum. 🌲☀️

For many, this is their first opportunity to step into the woods and learn the essential skills that define the forestry profession. This month, students were introduced to timber cruising, forest sampling, navigation and GIS mapping—developing the ability to measure forests, navigate diverse landscapes and collect critical data used in forest management. 🪵

Each skill contributes to a larger picture of understanding and assessing forest inventory. From estimating timber volume to evaluating stand conditions, our students are building the technical foundation needed to make informed, sustainable decisions. ✅

By integrating traditional field methods with modern technology, Forestry Summer Practicum equips students with the tools and confidence to analyze forests from multiple perspectives. 🔎

This immersive experience is more than a set of courses—it’s the starting point of their journey as foresters, where the fundamentals they learn today will support every decision they make in their careers moving forward. 📈

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05/26/2026

International soccer is coming to Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 9, as Messi and reigning World Cup champion Argentina take on Iceland. ⚽️ Just 20 minutes from the stadium, Crooked Oaks offers accommodations for individuals and groups for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Occupancy is limited; contact [email protected] to book your stay today!

Crooked Oaks lodging options include: Lodge (4 BR 2 bath); Breezeway (1 BR 1 bath / 1 BR 1 bath) Lake House (2 BR 2.5 bath); Cottage (1 BR 1 bath); Cabin (3 BR 2 bath) and Stable (1 BR 1 bath). Options perfect for individuals or groups totaling up to 28 guests.

​ Auburn University Parents Visit Auburn-Opelika

The world’s game is coming to Jordan-Hare Stadium THIS SUMMER, as part of the Road To ’26 tour ⚽️🏟️

The Plains welcome Argentina 🇦🇷 vs 🇮🇸 Iceland on June 9! Join us and be part of this historic event 🔥

ℹ️ auburntige.rs/RoadTo26

05/21/2026

From Auburn forestry to a life of service 🇺🇸🌳🌲

James Parker’s journey reflects strong leadership, hard work, and a commitment to natural resource stewardship. From his time at Auburn’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, to his military career, he has always focused on serving others.

His story exemplifies what it means to be part of Auburn. We are proud to recognize James as our 2025 Outstanding Alumnus! 🎉👏

🔗 Read more about James: https://bit.ly/43k43x7

James Parker has created a career deeply rooted in service to both land and country. As an alumnus of the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE), Parker’s work in natural resources management has supported both environmental protection and military readiness, earnin...

05/20/2026

It’s almost time to Log-A-Load! 🎯💥

Join the Auburn University Forestry Club for its annual sporting clay shoot on Oct. 2, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club in Montgomery, AL. Gather your crew or come solo for a full day of friendly competition—all while giving back, with proceeds supporting Children's Miracle Network. ❤️

Registration options 📋:
• Individual – $100
• Team of 4 – $300
• Team of 4 + sponsor station – $500
• Sponsor station – $200

Enjoy a 50-clay shoot across 12 stations, with cart rental included (Shells not provided). Lunch will be available for purchase through the Forestry Club. 🍔🌭

Ready to register? Contact Aidan Macks at [email protected] or 251-472-7363. 📞

Don’t miss this chance to connect, compete, and support a great cause! 🌲

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05/14/2026

The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center (KPNC) is expanding access to the outdoors! 🌿♿

Thanks to a Tier 1 Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the KPNC has acquired three all-terrain wheelchairs designed specifically for trail use. These specialized wheelchairs navigate uneven trails and natural landscapes, opening up areas that were previously difficult to reach with standard mobility devices. 🌲✨

"This generous gift opens our trails and natural spaces to visitors who previously faced barriers to access, allowing more people to experience nature firsthand," said Michael Buckman, KPNC manager. "It directly advances our commitment to inclusivity by ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility, can connect with, learn from and enjoy the Preserve." 🙌

The new wheelchairs will be incorporated into KPNC programming soon and made available for community use.

📲 Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4nE7KqT

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The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center (KPNC) is expanding access to outdoor recreation through a recent Tier 1 Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, supporting the purchase of...

05/11/2026

Mellow your Monday with 30 seconds of sunset at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center. ⏱️🌅

This week represents the beginning of Forestry Summer Practicum where Auburn University forestry majors will learn some of the most valuable skills of the trade. 🪵📏

Wildlife Ecology and Management majors will spend this week learning about wildlife point count surveys, vegetation sampling, and overall habitat management. 🐾

The Dixon Center is also eagerly awaiting the groundbreaking of a new 12,000-square-foot dormitory that will serve as the home for Auburn’s forestry and wildlife summer practicum courses, as well as training programs hosted by nonprofit, state, and federal partners. 🛏️🤝

📲 Learn more about the Dixon Center and the dorm project: https://sdfec.auburn.edu

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05/07/2026

It's Ornithology Week at Summer Practicum! 🐦

Auburn University Wildlife Ecology and Management majors spent their first week at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center rising early in the morning hours, capturing birds using mist nets, collecting biometric data, applying federal bird bands, and releasing them back into the wild. 🌥️🐦‍⬛

Led by Dr. Kelsey McCune, Auburn College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment assistant professor of conservation behavior ecology, along with her teaching assistants, this permitted field work provided our undergraduates with practical research experiences they will never forget. ✨

📲 Learn more about the major: https://bit.ly/4ddI6V2

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05/05/2026

Through Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, the Wildlife Enterprise Management program takes learning beyond the classroom, connecting students with exclusive wildlife recreation properties and successful businesses. 🌿🦌🦃

Recent site visits across the Auburn University region have given students exposure and experiences with real-world operations while learning directly from industry professionals. 🤝

These experiences build practical skills and professional networks, preparing graduates for careers in wildlife enterprise management, private land management, consulting, and related fields across the region and beyond. 🌎

📲 Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/4ecwDHm

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05/04/2026

Congratulations to our spring 2026 graduates! We are excited to see where you will go, what you will do, and who you will become. 🫡 🧡💙

War Eagle! 🦅

📸:https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCSVS3

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05/01/2026

🌲 Building the Future of Forestry & Wildlife Education at Solon Dixon 🌲

Auburn University’s Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center is taking a major step forward with plans for a new 64-bed dormitory—an investment that will elevate hands-on forestry and wildlife training across the Southeast.

Located near Andalusia, Alabama, the 5,400-acre Dixon Center has long served as a living laboratory for experiential learning, hosting CFWE’s immersive summer practicum and nationally recognized training programs such as the Alabama Forestry Commission’s Forestry Academy and the U.S. Forest Service’s National Wildland Firefighter Apprentice Program.

The $5.7 million facility, anticipated for completion in summer 2027, will replace aging dorms and feature modern amenities, enhanced privacy and security, suite-style bathrooms, and inviting common spaces designed to foster collaboration and community among the next generation of natural resource professionals.

To fully bring this vision to life, CFWE is leading a capital campaign to raise more than $3 million in additional philanthropic support. Alumni and industry partners are invited to invest in the future of conservation education through meaningful naming opportunities and donor recognition.
Your support helps ensure students and professionals continue to receive the field-based training that defines excellence at Solon Dixon—now and for generations to come.

🔗 Learn more or make a gift: sdfec.auburn.edu

📩 Interested in naming opportunities? Contact Heather Crozier, Director of Development, at [email protected]

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