College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

Once again, I’ve procrastinated my fieldwork, thus limiting my ability to choose pleasant outdoor working days. Regularly, I tell myself I won’t put these things off to the end of the year when the temperature drops and the snow begins to fly – but it happens anyway. Much like a lot of students at Michigan State, I’d often find myself cramming for a dendrology exam in the polar bear room or putting last minute touches on a forest economics paper in the Natural Resources computer lab just before it was due. Some things never change.

What is changing is MSU Forestry. Over the last several years, several prominent faces have retired. At the same time, energetic new experts have been welcomed into the department, adding many strengths to Michigan State’s program. Both the undergraduate and graduate programs are growing exponentially, welcoming many more students into the program than even 5 years ago. The encouraging growth is a testament to not only renewed interest in our profession, but primarily the diligent efforts of the Forestry faculty.

Likewise, the Forestry Alumni Association continues to advance service, philanthropy, and professional engagement. This past Spring, several alumni joined in two forestry-related volunteer opportunities as part of the University’s Global Day of Service. As far as we are aware, this is the first time the Forestry Alumni Association organized and participated in forestry-related volunteer activities as a group. We also connected with alumni at both the annual tailgate (held outside this year!) in September and the Society of American Foresters Convention in October in Portland, OR. Moving forward, we’re looking for opportunities to partner with allied organizations to connect our alum with professional engagement and development opportunities – stay tuned.

I trust you remember your time at MSU fondly and may seek an excuse to connect with us more closely. If you’re in Lansing, it’s worth dropping into the Forestry Department for a visit.