The Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science

05/28/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Barrett.

It is with great enthusiasm that we announce that Dr. Kyle Barrett has been appointed as chair of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation. He served as interim chair beginning 2024.

Dr. Matt Holt stated in the announcement, "Dr. Barrett has provided thoughtful, collaborative leadership during an important period for the department. Since joining Clemson in 2012, he has built a strong record in research, teaching, and service while helping advance our land-grant mission through work that supports conservation, natural resources, and the people of South Carolina.
I’m confident Dr. Barrett's leadership will continue to strengthen the department and build on its momentum in the years ahead."

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Barrett!

05/14/2026

A Biological Bomb: The Feral Hog Invasion Posted on May 14, 2026May 14, 2026 by baldwi6 Gene W. Wood, Professor Emeritus Dept. Forestry and Environmental Conservation Clemson University The issue In 2025, the United States Department of Agriculture estimated that feral hog populations had caused $1....

05/11/2026

This month’s newsletter featuring our work, events, and exciting updates is attached. Please have a look and Go Tigers!

The Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science (BICEFS) is a research station affiliated with Clemson University, located in Georgetown, South Carolina. Our scientists conduct research and extension activities that serve communities in the southeastern United States and beyond. Our resea...

05/05/2026

Last week PhD candidate Miriam Boucher alongside graduate students Bobby Greco, Hallie Cowan, Dorothy Aldridge, Aksh*t Suthar, and Jake Shurba hosted early career professionals from the European Croc Network for a field workshop. With support from Director Dr. Jim Anderson and Research Scientist Dr. Thomas Rainwater, and in collaboration with Clemson Forestry and Environmental Conservation, SC Department of Natural Resources, Nemours Wildlife Foundation, and Spring Island Trust, participants had a week of wild learning. From the essentials of crocodilian field techniques to the setting of passive traps, participants revived a crash course in experiential learning to support safe and ethical research on crocodilians as well as how to perform research internationally.

04/28/2026

Our staff member, Leah Gregory, and Ph.D. student, Aksh*t Suthar, were honored at the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences (CAFLS) Annual Awards Ceremony. Congratulations on your hard work and Go Tigers.

Students, faculty and staff were honored at the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences’ Annual Awards Ceremony on April 17. Students, faculty and staff were honored at the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences’ Annual Awards Ceremony on April 17.

04/19/2026

BICEFS participated in the Earth Day Festival, on April 18, 2026, at the Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Our educational exhibit highlighted our ongoing research in coastal and forest ecosystems of the South Carolina Lowcountry and beyond. Please have a look at the attached pictures of our scientists engaging with the public. Go Tigers!

04/15/2026

We are excited to share our newsletter, Clemson on the Coast, with all of you. Thank you and Go Tigers.

The Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science (BICEFS) is a research station affiliated with Clemson University, located in Georgetown, South Carolina. The institute focuses on studying coastal ecosystems such as, marshes, forests, rivers, and estuaries, and their associated plants and....

04/14/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Thomas Rainwater and our PhD student, Miriam Boucher, for excellent work in American alligator research 👏👏.
Go Tigers.

The Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center is a pristine habitat for South Carolina's alligators. But as the seas rise and threaten the preserve, where will all the gators go? (Full story below.)

04/13/2026

Great work, Hobcaw Barony.

04/11/2026

Students from Clemson University’s Creative Inquiry Pollinator Pathways program began Phase I of a pollinator education garden at our institute, creating a lasting living classroom in memory of our former director, Dr. Mazeika Sullivan. Designed with native plants to support biodiversity and hands-on learning, this space reflects a legacy of science, stewardship, and student-driven conservation. Go Tigers.