MSU Forestry alum and current FAA President Jason Darling was recently awarded the Stewardship Forester of the Year by the Michigan Association of Consulting Foresters.

Jason Darling grew up gardening and playing outside, but never really considered finding a job in the field. In high school, he started working for Tannenbaum Farms, a local Christmas tree farm in Mason, MI. It turned out Mel Koelling at Tannenbaum Farms was a professor for the MSU Department of Forestry. He helped foster Darling’s curiosity for the field of Forestry and was an excellent mentor. Originally starting at Lansing Community College, Darling eventually transferred to MSU.

During his time at MSU, Darling worked with the MSU Forestry Wood Science Lab under Dr. Pascal Kamdem, then with the MSU Forestry Biogeochemistry Lab under Dr. David Rothstein. He then worked with Randy Klevickas and Paul Bloese at the Tree Research Center. His first professional job after graduation was with Grossman Forestry, a private consulting company based out of Newberry, MI. 

He initially started as an intern with the primary duties tree marking and tree inventory, then moved on to a full-time forester.  “I really enjoyed my time with Grossman Forestry. Their staff really took me under their wings and helped create a very solid foundation for my forestry career to build on,” said Darling.

Darling currently works as a Consulting Forester. He really enjoys the relationships he has been able to build with the clients he works for. “I’ve met some interesting and lovely people and truly appreciate the opportunity they provide me,” said Darling. 

On winning this award, Darling reflects, “as a Consulting Forester, who mainly works alone, it is really cool to have some external validation that I am doing good work. Being a Consulting Forester, anywhere, but specifically in southern Michigan can be challenging at times, so it is great to have this recognition from the greater forestry community.”

Looking back on his time at MSU, Darling recalls he feels he developed and fostered a great relationship with MSU Forestry by working within the department. His time spent with Dr. Kamdem, and Dr. Rothstein are some of his most memorable times at MSU. 

“The relationships I had while working in the lab and field really set the tone for my overall experience. I learned so much talking with the graduate students and having extra time to talk with my professors while I was working. I think that immersing yourself in the field and seeing many of the various aspects of the field can help you understand what you might want to do when you graduate,” said Darling.

Darling would like to thank all the friends, family and professionals that have helped guide him through his education and forestry career. “I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today without your guidance and support,” he said.