Society of American Foresters

To kick off #Bestof2024, we’re celebrating 124 years of the Society of American Foresters! This year was full of groundbreaking milestones and fresh initiatives. Stay tuned as we recap the achievements that made 2024 unforgettable for SAF and the forestry community. Let the countdown begin! 🎉 📢 Follow along for a year of milestones, innovations, and memorable moments! #YearInReview #SAF24

As part of #Bestof2024, we unveiled a refreshed logo, blending tradition with progress. All 30 state societies now have cohesive branding with new logos, creating a recognizable identity for SAF across the country. #BrandRefresh #LegacyAndLongevity

Transporting a massive Christmas tree from Alaska's Tongass National Forest to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol is no small feat! This annual journey made possible in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is a cherished holiday tradition—and SAF is proud to support it. From community stops that spread festive joy to the grand arrival in D.C., learn how this cross-country celebration brings people together in the December issue of The Forestry Source. 👉 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eYh_QdCB 📸: JAMES EDWARD MILLS #USCapitolChristmasTree #PeoplesTree

For #Bestof2024, we’re spotlighting this year’s achievements in publications! We released the 2nd edition of Introduction to Consulting Forestry, with over 150 copies sold! Shop here: https://lnkd.in/ea8ZHuYv SAF also partnered with Springer Nature, elevating the Journal of Forestry and Forest Science's reach to forestry professionals worldwide. 📖 #ForestryPublications #ForestScience

Celebrating the #Bestof2024! This year, our partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree brought communities together to honor the beauty and importance of our nation’s forests. From the heart of Alaska to the steps of the U.S. Capitol, we worked hand-in-hand to share the story of sustainable forestry, create unforgettable memories, and inspire stewardship across the country. Thank you for being part of this journey—and here’s to continuing our shared mission in 2025! 💚 Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gWzm2pa 📸: JAMES EDWARD MILLS #USCapitolChristmasTree

Your gift makes a difference! 🌲 Forests touch every part of our lives—from clean air and water to sustainable products and climate resilience. Your support fuels: ✅ Research in sustainable forestry ✅ Advocacy for forestry professionals ✅ Leadership development for students Donate today and help grow a sustainable future: https://lnkd.in/eCMRfvqR #SupportForestry #SustainableForests #YearEndGiving

🎵 On the 6th day of Christmas, the forest gave to me… 6 sawmills milling! 🏭 Sawmills take harvested trees and turn them into the materials that build our world—from holiday décor to sturdy homes. Sawmill workers = holiday MVPs! 🎁 #forestproud #WoodWorks #SustainableForestry #WoodisGood

As part of #Bestof2024, we’re celebrating a huge step forward in credentialing! Since the launch of Certified Urban and Community Forester (CUCF) and Candidate CUCF certifications in December, over 100 professionals have passed the exams. 🎓 At #SAF24, we celebrated Certified Foresters and Urban & Community Certified Foresters during the Certification Reception, honoring their dedication to forestry excellence. Credentialing also took center stage at major events in 2024, generating excitement and raising awareness about urban and community forestry. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ezKbut4s #CredentialingMilestones #UrbanForestry

On page 21 of this months issue of The Forestry Source by the Society of American Foresters is a feature on the US Capitol Christmas Tree. Again, this was such a fun project! You can see a page of the LiDAR report that I put together for SAF, the USFS, and the Architect of the Capitol using LiDAR data from Treeswift. I've spent a lot of time promoting individual tree management using LiDAR, but this took it to a whole new level. In visualizing different pruning heights, we're talking INDIVIDUAL BRANCH MANAGEMENT. That was wild! It's so cool to see the report in the field! Shoutout to Tom Roland, USFS silviculturist and team leader for the tree, also pictured with James Kaufmann from the Architect of the Capitol.

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it. It's all about the people you work with. I'm once again honored to be featured by the Society of American Foresters in the Forestry Source. National Convention is such a good time to meet new people and visit old friends. To be honest, I don't visit many of the technical sessions (even though there are good ones!). I look forward to networking and talking to all of the other great professionals in forestry and adjacent fields. If you're not already an SAF member, I highly recommend it if you're working in any natural resource management field. I'd be happy to discuss my experience as a member (13 years!!!) and what it's done for me and my career. Joining me on the stage is Heather Slayton and Andrew Fast, and not to forget our awesome moderator Steven Roberge.