In April 2024, the International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE – North America) conference convened in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, bringing together professionals and researchers from various disciplines to discuss landscape ecology. Among the attendees were representatives from the Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) Department of the University of Kentucky, including William Wittenbraker, a master's student, and Dr. Jian Yang, an associate professor.

During the conference, William Wittenbraker presented a 15-minute oral presentation titled “Surface mining interacts with timber harvesting to facilitate the invasion of woody invasive species in a temperate forest of central Appalachia, USA”. This presentation showcased the findings of his thesis project, highlighting the complex interactions between surface mining and timber harvesting in promoting the invasion of woody invasive species in the central Appalachia region. 

Dr. Jian Yang delivered a 15-minute oral presentation titled “How well can topographic wetness index represent soil moisture at landscape scale? – A case study in a forest watershed of Appalachian Mountains, USA.” His presentation delved into the efficacy of using the topographic wetness index to represent soil moisture at a landscape scale, focusing on a case study conducted in a forest watershed of the Appalachian Mountains.

Both presentations underscored the importance of research in landscape ecology and its implications for ecosystem management. William Wittenbraker expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend the conference, highlighting the vital support provided by the FNR Student Travel Award. This award enables graduate students to access professional development opportunities and networking possibilities crucial for their academic and career growth.

The IALE-North America conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional growth in the field of landscape ecology. The contributions of attendees like William Wittenbraker and Dr. Jian Yang exemplify the dedication and innovation driving research in this vital field. Through continued support and engagement, the conference fosters advancements in understanding and managing landscapes for the betterment of ecosystems and communities.