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College of Natural Resources
Forestry and Environmental Resources

Research

Christmas tree farm in Avery County just outside Newland.

Sep 16, 2024

Growing Christmas Trees for the Future

NC State is leading a nearly $7.5 million project to accelerate the genetic improvement of Christmas trees to mitigate the impacts of climate change and disease and pest outbreaks.
Long exposure photograph of a flowing stream in Umstead State Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Jul 3, 2024

Open Space Has Increased in the Triangle, But There’s Still Work To Be Done

Population growth and development continue to outpace open space protection across the region, highlighting the need for continued investment in land conservation.
Acadian flycatcher perched on a dead tree branch in a marsh.

Jul 1, 2024

Some Birds ‘Win’ and Some ‘Lose’ with Sea Level Rise, Expert Says

Global sea level rise is accelerating every year due to climate change, and it could threaten the very existence of some coastal bird species.
Female worker inspects solar panels.

Jun 6, 2024

Building the Renewable Energy Workforce of the Future

A new program aims to enhance the workforce development pipeline for North Carolina students and improve the representation of minorities in the renewable energy sector.

May 17, 2024

FER @ National Conference on Undergraduate Research

The FER Department had four outstanding students that represented the college in this past National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) held in Long Beach, CA. This conference allows selected students…

May 3, 2024

Birdwatching can help students improve mental health, reduce distress

A new study finds people who have nature-based experiences report better well-being and lower psychological distress than those who do not. Birdwatching in particular yielded promising results, with higher gains in subjective well-being and more reduction in distress than more generic nature exposure, such as walks. Because birdwatching is an easily accessible activity, the results…

Apr 26, 2024

Mammals on ‘Sky Islands’ May Be Threatened By Climate Change, Human Development

A new study sheds light on how climate change and human development threaten mammal species living in isolated biodiversity hotspots known as “sky islands.” Researchers placed camera traps throughout Mt. Kenya National Park in East Africa, following the same route up the mountain used by Theodore Roosevelt during his expedition there in 1909. By comparing…
The Jefferson monument in Washington, D.C. framed by a spectacular cherry blossom display. Focus on the monument background.

Apr 8, 2024

Removal of DC’s Cherry Blossoms Reflects Troubling Future For Coastal Forests

“It’s a great example of where people can see the effects of sea level rise and what’s happening all over the East Coast,” says NC State expert Marcelo Ardón.

Mar 22, 2024

New Sustainable Labs Program Launched

The new Sustainable Labs program empowers NC State researchers and lab users to adopt sustainable practices in campus lab spaces.
flattened cardboard boxes stacked on top of each other - Improving Wood Products Could Be a Key to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State University

Mar 7, 2024

Improving Wood Products Could Be a Key to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Harnessing the ability of wood products to store carbon even after harvest could have a significant effect on greenhouse gas emissions and change commonly accepted forestry practices, a new study from NC State researchers suggests. The new study published in the journal Carbon Balance and Management uses carbon storage modeling to link the carbon stored in…