Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

06/16/2026

Progress is underway at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center. 🚧🌲

Site preparation is ongoing for the Dixon Dormitory Project, marking an exciting step forward in expanding opportunities for hands-on learning and experiential field experiences. Once complete, the new facility will provide modern accommodations for resident students, researchers, and professionals studying natural resources while immersed in Auburn’s premier outdoor classroom. 📚🌱

📲 Follow along with the project and learn more: https://sdfec.auburn.edu/dixon-dormitory/

📧 For additional information or ways to support, contact Heather Crozier, CFWE Director of Development at [email protected].

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06/12/2026

Meet Hardy McMillan, a Wildlife Enterprise Management (WLEM) major in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE). 🙌

Hardy is spending his summer at Enon Plantation in Bullock County, Alabama, where he is gaining hands-on experience managing wildlife habitat for quail, deer, turkey, pheasant, and ducks. His work includes planting approximately 250 acres of soybeans, managing deer feed programs, collecting soil samples, grounds maintenance, assisting with kennel operations, and predator management. 🦌🦃🦆

Through this internship, Hardy is gaining a deeper understanding of how habitat management and daily operations work in tandem. After graduation, he hopes to manage a private property, combining his wildlife management knowledge with business. 🌱🌿

🤳Learn more about bout the WLEM program: https://bit.ly/4ecwDHm

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06/10/2026

Wild turkey populations face increasing threats, and Auburn College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) researchers are working to uncover solutions. 🦃

Dr. Will Gulsby, CFWE associate professor of wildlife management, and graduate student Reese Stogner are examining how supplemental feeding may be attracting nest predators, potentially impacting turkey reproduction and survival. Their research focuses on the nutrient-predator relationship and its effects on hen nest success. 🌿🔎

Supported by the Alabama Wildlife Federation, NWTF-Alabama, and Turkeys For Tomorrow, this cutting-edge research will help hunters and land managers make more informed decisions for wildlife conservation. 🤝

The ultimate goal? Providing landowners with practical, science-based strategies to better manage their properties for this popular game species. ✅

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4uZ11ut

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Researchers at Auburn University will continue to stay on the cutting edge of wild turkey research thanks to funding from wildlife research organizations.

06/08/2026

Meet Sarah Tash, a doctoral candidate in Auburn’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE), whose research is helping protect one of the Southeast’s most iconic and endangered plants: the Cahaba lily (Hymenocallis coronaria). 🌱

Sarah’s work focuses on surface water hydrology (how water moves through watersheds) and how those patterns shape where the Cahaba lily can grow and thrive. By studying populations across Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, she is identifying shared habitat characteristics, as well as key differences and threats across watersheds. Her research is providing critical insight into how the species responds to changing conditions like droughts and floods, helping predict how populations may shift over time and guiding more effective conservation and restoration strategies. 💧

Beyond research, Sarah is actively engaged in outreach and continuing education across the Southeast, helping others learn how to identify, protect, and steward this rare species for future generations. 🤝

Sarah says this impactful work is made possible through the support of dedicated partners, including the Center for Plant Conservation and the Garden Club of America through the Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship for Conservation of Rare Flora, as well as the Cahaba River Coalition. She also shares a special thanks to Dr. Chris Anderson, CFWE professor of coastal wetland ecology, and the CFWE for their continued support, along with the many stakeholders, nonprofits, and educational institutions advancing conservation efforts. 📈

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06/04/2026

📖 Herpetology: a branch of zoology dedicated to the study of reptiles and amphibians 🐍

During Summer Practicum, Auburn University Wildlife Ecology and Management students quite literally dove into Herpetology Week, experiencing the field study of these unique animals in their natural habitats. From identifying snakes, frogs, and salamanders to learning safe, effective capture and handling techniques, students developed essential field skills that form the foundation of wildlife research and management. 🐸

Fieldwork didn’t stop when conditions got rough. Students pushed through periodic visits from Mother Nature, and even waded through chest-deep water to set and retrieve traps—fully embracing the realities of working in dynamic, outdoor environments. These experiences built resilience while reinforcing the importance of careful data collection and species monitoring. 🐢

Along the way, students practiced habitat assessment and survey methods that helped them better understand population dynamics and ecosystem health. Each challenge in the field sharpened their ability to observe, adapt, and apply scientific techniques in real time. 🐊

By combining immersive fieldwork with applied ecological concepts, Herpetology Week connected classroom learning to real-world wildlife management, equipping future wildlife professionals with the skills, confidence, and determination to study and conserve species throughout their careers. 🦎

📲 Learn more about the degree program: https://cfwe.auburn.edu/wildlife-sciences/wildlife-ecology-management/

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06/01/2026

New episode alert! 🎙️

Dylan Thomas, Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) professor of practice, recently joined The Southeastern Land Show podcast to discuss the Wildlife Enterprise Management program with hosts Brian Watts and Cary Farrington. 🦌🌿

From experiential learning to career preparation at the intersection of conservation, hospitality, and business, Dylan shares what makes this program unique and how it's preparing the next generation of wildlife enterprise professionals. 🤝

Check out the full conversation to learn more about how CFWE students are gaining real-world skills in wildlife habitat management, enterprise operations, and science-based decision making. 🔬

🎧: https://bit.ly/4wXm9CV

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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...