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Sowing the Seeds of Knowledge: A Longleaf For All Field Day Recap
Field Day Success - Forestry & Wildlife Management for Tuskegee Landowners
Gary Braxton with the Alabama Forestry Commision shows the creation of fire breaks and discusses their importance as a land management tool. He advises landowners to take action by creating a network of professionals and participating in educational courses. Braxton reminds us that “owning property is a blessing whether you have the funds to buy it or inherit it, take care of it.” Credit: Katrina Koning
On October 29, 2024, the Southeast Forestry program hosted an engaging field day in Tuskegee, Alabama, focused on forestry and wildlife management for landowners and outreach professionals. The gathering brought together eight landowners and over 10 professionals from across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana, providing a unique opportunity for them to dive deep into longleaf pine management, prescribed fire techniques, wildlife conservation, and fire lane creation.
The event was more than a learning experience—it was a moment of community building and knowledge sharing. Landowners connected with experts and peers, building a valuable network for the continued stewardship of our forests. The discussions were insightful, covering best practices for longleaf pine ecosystems and exploring how these methods enhance forest health and habitat quality.
The event also highlighted the Longleaf Landowner Mentorship Program, a cornerstone initiative designed to support and guide landowners in adopting sustainable forest management practices. Through this program, participants had the chance to connect with seasoned mentors, fostering relationships that emphasized peer-to-peer learning and practical advice. The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC)—a leading partner in this effort—played a pivotal role in facilitating these connections and providing technical expertise, further strengthening the foundation of the mentorship program.
One of the event’s standout moments was the announcement of financial and technical assistance opportunities available to landowners within a ten-mile radius of Tuskegee National Forest. Spearheaded by Mr. William Carson, whose proximity to the Tuskegee National Forestry program brought valuable insights, connections were made to the U.S. Forest Service’s Stevens Fund. These grant dollars, administered by AFC, can allow eligible landowners to receive no-cost services such as fire break installation, discing, and prescribed burning. This collaboration showcased the tangible benefits of partnerships between federal programs and state agencies, ensuring that landowners not only learned best practices but also had access to the resources necessary to implement them.
The National Wildlife Federation would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners who made this event possible: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Alabama Wildlife Federation, Alabama Forestry Commission, the Longleaf Alliance, America’s Longleaf, Longleaf for All, the U.S. Forest Service, Macon County Conservation District, and Tall Timbers. Their support was instrumental in creating a space where landowners could expand their knowledge and gain confidence in managing their lands sustainably.
This program is funded by USDA NRCS and the U.S. Forest Service. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
