James C. Finley Center for Private Forests
The James C. Finley Center for Private Forests focuses on applied research, education, and outreach to students, forest landowners, the forest-products industry, loggers, conservation districts, agencies, land trusts, non-governmental organizations, and the public.
Center Vision
A world where stewardship practices sustain healthy and resilient private forests which contribute to the social, ecological, and economic well-being of society.
Center Mission
Working at the intersection of people and forests, the Center advances research-based insights to inspire and cultivate stewardship of private forests.
The James C. Finley Center for Private Forests at Penn State
While bittersweet, we are pleased to announce that the Center for Private Forests at Penn State has been renamed in honor of its founder. His foundational scholarship on which we built the Center recognized the personal, value-driven relationships that many private landowners have with the forests they own. He worked hard to help forestry and natural resource professionals recognize these relationships to better understand the needs of private forest landowners and help them achieve their stewardship goals. The renaming will inspire the center’s staff, council, volunteers and stakeholders as we work to advance the work of our colleague, mentor and friend.
Latest News
January 23, 2023
Mitigating the Tax Liabilities on Your Forested Property
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December 9, 2022
Plan Your Spring 2023 Tree Planting Now
Resources and thoughts on planning a spring tree planting
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November 16, 2022
Muth, Powell, Finley Named 2022 PA Forestry Association Award Recipients
Dr. Allyson Muth, faculty, Michael Powell, staff, and Linda Finley, volunteer, in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management were honored for their contributions to the conservation of Pennsylvania’s natural resources at the Pennsylvania Forestry Association’s (PFA) Annual Symposium on November 5.
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November 16, 2022
Woods in Your Backyard Webinar Series Back for Another Year
Penn State Extension’s popular The Woods in Your Backyard webinar series will meet 7-8:30 PM weekly via Zoom on Wednesdays starting January 11, 2023.
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Upcoming Events

Vernal Pool Wetland Restoration Webinar
February 7, 2023
Webinar

Pennsylvania Forestry Association Annual Conservation Banquet
March 4, 2023
State College Ramada Inn 1450 South Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801

WOSA Annual Conference - SAVE THE DATE
March 11, 2023
Bedford American Legion - 3721 Business 220, Bedford, PA 15522

5th Biennial Forest Landowners Conference
March 24-25, 2023
Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College, PA
James C. Finley Center for Private Forests
Address
416 Forest Resources BuildingUniversity Park, PA 16802
- Email PrivateForests@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-0401
- Fax 814-865-6275