Forest Resources and Conservation Program

Biology, ecology, economics, policy, and human dimensions for the management and conservation of forests and natural resources

Our program in forestry, natural resources, and conservation address the ecological, social, and economic aspects of managing terrestrial natural resources. Within this broad field, faculty and staff with a variety of technical and academic specialties conduct innovative basic and applied science; educate society on the value and proper management of natural resources, and develop the next generation of professional natural resource managers; and work to improve our natural resources through outreach to the public, landowners, and resource stewards.

Our work on the ecology of terrestrial natural resources includes such subfields as the role of disturbance/successional forces such as fires, storms, timber harvesting, and insect/disease outbreaks; the carbon and water cycles of forests; and basic tree physiology and genetics. Faculty and staff studying the social aspects of terrestrial ecosystems address the value of recreational opportunities, including managing ecosystems to balance recreational use with resource protection; how the public understands environmental issues, and how educators can better disseminate new information on environmental issues; and how public policies impact the way terrestrial ecosystems are managed. Forests continue to have a significant role in society from an economic perspective: identifying new markets for timber products and ecosystem services; how landowners choose to manage their land to produce financial returns; and how policy changes influence the markets for land, timber, and ecosystem services.

The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to addressing problems; a practical approach to developing solutions; and a "hands-on" approach to disseminating new information.

• History

  Did you know the history of Florida's forest resources and conservation efforts dates back decades? View our history website to learn more about our exciting story - from 1502 to today. 

• Austin Cary Forest

  The School maintains a 2,080 acre teaching and research forest northeast of Gainesville. The forest is used by a wide variety of individuals and groups, both related to the School and otherwise. Professional schools are required to provide practical training and experimental facilities to supplement students classroom and laboratory teaching experience. The School of Forestry needed a forest to put into practice the theories and principles of its academic subjects such as protection, silviculture, mensuration, management, economics and others, thus the Austin Cary Forest was created.

  The Forest Campus and Roland T. Stern Learning Center

  Are you interested in reserving the Stern Learning Center or Education Building for your event, course, or other function? You can find the calendar, reservation, photos, and much more at the Austin Cary Forest Campus website. 

Areas of Study