Latest News

January 24, 2022

PA Forest Stewards have a great impact in their communities and beyond!

January 11, 2022

This article, which offers advice on how to find and select rural and agricultural properties for restoration, is the first of two articles in a series. The second article will offer suggestions for planning and carrying out restoration activities on a newly-purchased property. This advice is drawn from Paul’s experience finding and restoring eight rural agricultural properties totaling 1,126 acres over several decades.

January 11, 2022

Every day, the news highlights the impact of COVID-19 on people across our country and around the world. We wanted to do our best to get the voices of Pennsylvania loggers heard, understanding that though they are working in a naturally socially distanced industry, the pandemic’s impact has been far-reaching.

January 11, 2022

The Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) recently expanded to cover all of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and western Maryland.

January 11, 2022

The Pennsylvania Forestry Association (PFA) conducted its Annual Symposium virtually November 2 and 4, 2021.

January 11, 2022

Over the past several weeks, we at the Center have been overwhelmed by messages of support and sympathy for the loss of our founder Jim Finley. We also have heard many, many stories of the ways in which Jim, whether in the classroom or the woods, touched peopleʼs lives.

January 11, 2022

The Center for Private Forests at Penn State is excited to announce that the 5th Biennial Forest Landowners Conference is set for Friday-Saturday, March 24-25, 2023.

January 11, 2022

Penn State Extensionʼs team of Forestry and Wildlife experts publishes an e-newsletter, Woods and Wildlife News and Notes, containing the most recent information, events, demonstrations, partnerships, and activities coming from the team. Forest Leaves shares the titles and thumbnails of these articles with you each quarter.

December 13, 2021

December 13, 2021

Over the past few years, it seems as though insects went mainstream.

November 23, 2021

As demonstrated by decades of cheesy, yet heartwarmingly predictable movies, the holiday season is about the time spent with those we love.

November 23, 2021

Fall hunting seasons have begun in Pennsylvania. Which means for hunters and non-hunters alike, if you’re out in the woods, you should be wearing a significant amount of blaze orange to keep yourself safe.

November 23, 2021

"More than 80% percent of the white-tailed deer sampled in different parts of Iowa between December 2020 and January 2021 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2."

October 21, 2021

The Pennsylvania Forestry Association will hold its Annual Symposium virtually on November 2 and 4, 2021, 6–8 p.m

October 21, 2021

During my 40-year career as a forest ecologist and tree physiologist, I have seen climate change grow from a fringe idea to the dominant topic of environmental studies.

October 21, 2021

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) recently announced the launch of a partnership to develop a new SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard for application in North America and potentially globally.

October 21, 2021

Ticks and Lyme disease are not a new subject for forestland owners and people who frequently venture out in Pennsylvania.

October 21, 2021

Ten years ago this December, the provost of the Pennsylvania State University signed the Center for Private Forest at Penn State into being.

October 21, 2021

Across the state of Pennsylvania, hundreds of people welcomed the changing leaves and cooling air by taking a Walk in Penn’s Woods on the first weekend in October!

October 21, 2021

Penn State Extension’s team of Forestry and Wildlife experts publishes an e-newsletter, Woods and Wildlife News and Notes, containing the most recent information, events, demonstrations, partnerships, and activities coming from the team.

October 10, 2021

Jim Finley, Ph.D., Ibberson Chair and Professor Emeritus of Private Forest Management and Human Dimensions and Natural Resources, and Center for Private Forests co-founder and Council Chair, was a leader dedicated to working at the intersection of people and forests.

September 27, 2021

Pennsylvanians of all ages are invited to get out and explore a piece of our state’s 12 million acres of forestland during the 5th annual Walk in Penn’s Woods on Sunday, October 3. Whether you join in one of the many organized woods walks happening across the state or take to the woods for your own adventure, take time on October 3—or anytime the first weekend of the month—to discover all that Pennsylvania’s forests have to offer.

September 27, 2021

Riparian buffers are important for so many reasons: protection for soils, streams, and the life that lives within them, filtration of pollutants, and recreation providers to name a few! Join Penn State Extension and the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council as they declare October Riparian Buffer Month. Written by Kristen Koch.

September 27, 2021

According to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, logging is the most dangerous occupation in the nation. Recently, Judd Michael, Nationwide Insurance Professor of Agricultural Safety and Health and professor of agricultural and biological engineering in the College of Agricultural Sciences conducted research to compare the dangers of logging and landscape services, as they both practice felling and tree removal. Written by Jeff Mulhollem.

September 1, 2021

Defoliation can adversely impact a tree’s health. When pest infestations are high, intense defoliation of trees already stressed by other factors can potentially lead to mortality. However, it isn’t just how much these insects eat or how often they dine, but also when during the growing season.

August 31, 2021

Over the past year or so have you discovered a new or stronger connection to forests and trees? Those who study outdoor recreation have documented nearly explosive growth in the number of people exploring and spending time in parks and forests. Whether you are an old hand, used to spending time in sylvan landscapes, or a new convert to outside activities, have you found yourself looking in new ways at forests and wondering: What type of tree is that?

July 2, 2021

Periodic gypsy moth outbreaks cause defoliation stress to many plant species. Landowners should know what to expect and what management options to consider when an outbreak occurs.

July 2, 2021

Timber harvesting is an important management tool. When conducted with care and planning, it allows owners to manage forests to meet multiple objectives.