Centers/Partners
Centers and Partners
Partnerships Make Our Work Possible
Our department has created centers and partnerships that conduct research, provide education and jobs, improve ecosystems, fight forest health threats, protect water quality, enhance urban forests, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of our forests.
Partner Highlight
White Oak Initiative
"The White Oak Initiative is composed of white oak dependent or interested industries, trade associations, conservation organizations, agencies, universities, and non-profits working to ensure the long-term sustainability of America's white oak and contributing to the conservation of white oak and white oak-dominated forests." https://www.whiteoakinitiative.org/
Learn more about department research affiliated with the White Oak Initiative:
Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative
The Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) is a coalition of groups, including citizens, the coal industry, and government dedicated to restoring forests on coal mined lands in the Eastern United States. ARRI was established in early 2004 with the formation of the Core Team. The Core Team's responsibilities include outreach, trainings, event planning, monthly meetings to discuss progress reports and new strategies, among other things.
Learn MoreCenter for Forest and Wood Certification
The Center for Forest and Wood Certification builds regional forest and wood certification capacity through the delivery of unbiased information; technical assistance; and the development of programs for landowners, loggers, and forest products industries to participate in certification in a sustainable and affordable manner.
Learn MoreForest Health Research and Education Center
The Forest Health Research and Education Center (FHC) advances the conservation of forested ecosystems by integrating genetics-based biological research, social science and education on factors affecting tree health and forest restoration. Using a collaborative approach, the FHC is developing research programs and facilitating discussions to fight forest health threats and ensure the resilience of eastern U.S. forest systems.
Learn MoreGreen Forests Work
Green Forests Work's (GFW) vision is to create a renewable and sustainable multi-use resource that will provide economic opportunities while enhancing the local and global environment. By converting reclaimed, non-native grasslands and scrublands into healthy, productive forestland, GFW is effectively addressing two needs of the region. Their reforestation projects provide jobs for equipment operators, nursery workers, and tree planters, and improve the environment by eradicating exotic species and restoring ecosystem services.
Learn MoreKentucky Master Logger
The Kentucky Master Logger Program is an education program that teaches logging methods that benefit both industry and the forest. The program was developed in 1992, but became mandatory with the passage of the Kentucky Forest Conservation Act (KFCA) in July 2000, which regulates all commercial loggers and requires the use of best management practices (BMPs) to help protect water quality.
Learn MoreUrban Forest Initiative
The Urban Forest Initiative is a TFISE working group whose mission is to advocate for and elevate the function, value and perception of urban forests in the Bluegrass Region, from the UK campus to broader regional communities, by providing a dynamic framework for opportunities to partner across organizational and community boundaries to enhance urban forests. Collaborators in this group bring a wide array of skills and expertise from within UK, as well as the surrounding Bluegrass Region.
Learn MoreForestry and Natural Resources Department
forestry.department@uky.edu
(859) 257-7596
Forestry and Natural Resources Extension
forestry.extension@uky.edu
(859) 257-7597
