Forestry
Southern forests are vital to Alabama’s environment, economy, and communities. Managing them effectively requires having up-to-date information about the many challenges that forests face, including pests, pathogens, and environmental stressors. The Alabama Extension Forest Health Webinar Series brings together forestry experts to provide actionable insights for maintaining healthy, resilient forests to landowners, managers, and other professionals. As part of the TreeStrong Alabama program, each webinar covers key topics in forest health and highlights risks, management strategies, and practical guidance that are tailored to the unique conditions of Southern forests.
Details
When: Webinars will typically be the last Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. The presentations are from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m., followed by a 15 minute Q&A session.
Where: The webinars are presented through Zoom, an online video presentation format.
Continuing education units are available for each webinar in the following areas: 1 credit for Professional Logging Manager (PLM) and 1 credit for Continuing Forestry Education (CFE). Note that credit is only granted to attendees who view the entire webinar. Provide your PLM and CFE information at registration to receive certificates.
Registration, Dates, and Topics
Attendance is free, but each webinar requires registration. Those who are unable to attend the live webinar an still complete the registration below to receive a link to the recorded webinar.
Forest Health Webinar Series Schedule
| Date | Topic | Description | Speaker | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 26 | Freeze Injury and Winter Stress in Southern Pines | Join us for an informative webinar exploring how winter weather events affect the health of southern forests. We will discuss the impacts of freezing temperatures, ice storms, and other winter stressors on trees, pests, and pathogens, and share strategies for monitoring and managing them. This session is ideal for foresters, land managers, and anyone interested in understanding and supporting the sustainability of southern forests. | Nina Payne, Research Forester, Southern Forest Nursery Management Cooperative | https://auburn.zoom.us/meeting/register/cOog-bv2RPqRdvXaoC2L0Q |
| March 25 | What’s Choking Our Forests? Invasive Plants in the Southeast | Invasive plants are quietly reshaping forests across the southeast-competing with native trees, limiting regeneration, altering soil conditions, and increasing management costs. In this webinar, we'll examine the most common invasive plant threats, how they spread, and why they are so difficult to control once established. Participants will also learn practical strategies for prevention and management. | David Coyle, Forest Health and Invasive Specie Associate Professor, Clemson University | https://auburn.zoom.us/meeting/register/EOvxgkbrRWC5tCXdM-SVsQ |
| April 30 | The Hidden Half of Trees: Why Soil Affects Tree Health | When trees decline, we often look up-at insects, disease, or weather damage but the real cause may be below ground. In this webinar, we'll explore how soil structure, moisture, nutrients and microbial activity affect tree health in southern forests as well as practical steps you can take to improve soil conditions and long-term stand success. | Dr. Yang Yang, Assistant Professor, Auburn University | |
| May 28 | The Spring Decision Point: Where Forest Health is Won or Lost | Spring is a critical window for southern forests — a time when management decisions can shape tree health for the entire growing season. In this webinar, we’ll discuss why spring is often the turning point for pest outbreaks, disease development, and seedling survival. From monitoring for early insect activity and assessing winter injury to evaluating soil moisture conditions and planning timely interventions, participants will learn how proactive spring management can prevent costly problems later in the year. | Annakay Newell, Forest Health Specialist, Alabama Extension at Auburn University | |
| June 25 | Brown Spot Needle Blight and Pine Health in the Southeastern United States | Once mainly a concern for longleaf pine, Brown Spot Needle Blight is now a threat to loblolly pine across the Southeast. This webinar will cover the disease’s distribution, how to recognize symptoms, and practical strategies to protect pine health throughout the region. | Rabiu Olatinwo, Research Plant Pathologist, US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service | https://auburn.zoom.us/meeting/register/4T8tPiPtSBOCYpdJxE0i-g |
| July 30 | Pine Beetles: Major Drivers of Southern Pine Mortality | Pine beetles are among the most destructive insects affecting southern pine forests, capable of causing widespread tree mortality when conditions favor outbreaks. This webinar will explore the major pine beetle species in the Southeast, the environmental and forest conditions that drive outbreaks, how to recognize early signs of infestation, and practical strategies for reducing risk and protecting forest health. | Brian Sullivan, Research Entomologist, US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service |