University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

We are excited to announce a series of new faculty positions! Several of these positions are part of a cluster hire in the general area of sustainable forestry and innovations in forest-based economies. Successful candidates will have opportunities to collaborate in several cross-campus initiatives including Precision Agriculture and Forestry, Precision One-Health, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability and Advanced BioMaterials, and Resilient Infrastructure. - Assistant/Associate Professor of Natural Capital and Supply Chain Modeling - Assistant/Associate Professor of Sustainability Sciences - Assistant/Associate Outreach Professor of Wildlife Management - Assistant/Associate Outreach Professor of Natural Resources Science Communication - Assistant/Associate Professor of Precision Forestry - Assistant/Associate Professor of Biomaterials Learn more about the current openings and links to the application portal at https://lnkd.in/gZQaFj6F

Hunting wild turkeys is becoming increasingly challenging as they adapt their behaviors to avoid detection. UGA's latest study reveals that bolder turkeys are being removed from populations, leaving behind more cautious and elusive birds. This shift highlights the complex relationship between wildlife behavior and sustainable hunting practices. Learn more about the findings and their implications for hunters and conservationists: https://lnkd.in/ghXi-jyG #Warnell #wildturkeys #Hunting #UGA #Conservation

This past August, the Journal of Wildlife Management released its first-ever special issue focused on Indigenous wildlife management issues. Dr. Michel Kohl co-led this landmark issue, contributing to the introduction and curating articles that blend conventional scientific methods with Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices. This groundbreaking approach fosters a deeper understanding and integration of Indigenous insights into modern wildlife management strategies. Learn more and read the issue at: https://lnkd.in/gnTYqZvP Image Credit: Daniel Bird (Kewa Pueblo) #warnell #publication #jwm #indigenouspeoples

Needle diseases are an increasing threat to loblolly pine forests in the southeast U.S. Fungal pathogens, like Lecanosticta acicola—which causes brown spot needle blight—are impacting forest health by causing premature needle shedding and weakening trees. Unfortunately, there are currently no management options to control these diseases. In response, a powerful collaboration is underway. University scientists, the USDA Forest Service, state forestry agencies, and the timber industry have made needle disease research a top priority. Together and with additional facilitation by the Pine Pandemic Preparedness Plan, they’re working to understand and mitigate the impacts of these diseases on southeastern pine forests. UGA faculty and graduate students have just released an outreach publication and infographic to spread awareness of this forest health challenge. Learn more about: Pine needle disease: https://lnkd.in/gAxCMxf9 Brown spot needle blight: https://lnkd.in/gcBRCjuu Georgia Forestry Commission #warnell #pinetrees #forestry #foresthealth

FANR1200 Natural History of Georgia students welcomed high schoolers from Oconee County to showcase what they’ve learned this semester. From soil science and bird calls to venomous snakes and tree ID, teams presented their topics in an engaging and creative ways. The event not only gave our students practice presenting, but more importantly introduced high schoolers to the exciting field of natural resources. #Warnell #uga #naturalresources

Join us in welcoming Dr. Claire Teitelbaum as a new Assistant Unit Leader with the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit! Her research investigates wildlife movement, behavior and population dynamics in relation to habitat, climate, and infectious diseases. With post-doctoral experience at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and NASA Ames Research Center, she brings a wealth of expertise to Warnell. #Warnell #faculty #uga

The National Wild Turkey Federation Distinguished Professor Mike Chamberlain hopes his research and communication efforts will raise awareness about what landowners, managers, and hunters can do to conserve wild turkeys around the country. #warnell #turkey #research

?? Georgia Agriculture Alert!??The invasive spotted lanternfly?(SLF) has been detected in our state for the first time. While SLFs pose no direct health risk to humans, they threaten Georgia's agriculture industry—especially crops like grapevines, apples, and peaches. This time of year, you may see adult SLFs with distinctive gray-brown and red-spotted wings. Their feeding weakens plants, causing sap loss, wilting, and dieback, while also promoting black sooty mold. If you see a SLF, take immediate action and: 1. Take a clear picture of the pest. 2. Kill it. 3. Report your sighting at: https://lnkd.in/g5hU7jRS More info: https://lnkd.in/g4tyanJq SLF infographic: https://lnkd.in/gqEmNwYJ #warnell #outreach #invasive #spottedlanternfly Georgia Forestry Commission UGA Cooperative Extension Bugwood Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health

In 2023-2024, Georgia has seen unprecedented southern pine beetle (SPB) outbreaks, with over 1,600 spots identified. SPB can devastate pine forests, and healthy pine trees are attacked when SPB populations are at epidemic levels. To address this growing threat, Warnell and the Georgia Forestry Commission have teamed up to offer statewide presentations on managing SPB risk. We’ll continue these efforts in 2025 and have just released a new outreach publication with best practices to help prevent SPB damage. Learn more about southern pine beetles and effective forestry management strategies to combat outbreaks at: https://warnell.cc/SPB_Pub #warnell #pinebeetle #forestry #publication #outreach

Congratulations to Dr. Michel Kohl on being named a 2024 Fellow of The Wildlife Society! Kohl is an expert in the spatial ecology of wildlife, leading studies on species management and conservation across the western and southeastern U.S. He is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of wildlife professionals—advising both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as serving as a mentor in TWS’ Native Student Professional Development Program. Kohl has been a member of TWS since 2008 and currently serves as President-elect of the Georgia Chapter of TWS. Photo credit: Katie Perkins/TWS #Warnell #kudos #tws