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Hurricanes Can Increase Wildfire Risk, Expert Says

Forest Health

Flames and smoke curtain of a forest fire in the Brazilian Amazon. - Wildfires: Expert Answers to Your Burning Questions - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Jun 25, 2025

Wildfires: Essential Facts and Insights

NC State researchers address some of the most frequently asked questions about wildfires — from what causes them to how they can be stopped.
A river flows over rocks, surrounded by green trees and dense foliage. - Development, Agriculture Present Risks For Drinking Water Quality - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

May 7, 2025

Development, Agriculture Present Risks For Drinking Water Quality

A new study finds that conversion of forests to urban development or agriculture near streams can have harmful effects on water quality downstream, presenting both health concerns and raising the cost of water treatment.
An oak tree in springtime. - Ready for Spring Allergies? Here's What You Need to Know - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Mar 18, 2025

Ready for Spring Allergies? Here’s What You Need to Know

Tree pollen is often the cause of most spring allergy symptoms, according to NC State professor Robert Bardon.
A distant view of a forest fire, with flames and smoke rising against the backdrop - How Do Wildfires Impact the Environment? - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Feb 21, 2025

How Do Wildfires Impact the Environment?

In addition to altering vegetation patterns and destroying wildlife habitats, wildfires can degrade water and air quality.

A seed of a green sprout grows in scorched soil. - How Do Wildfires Impact Plants? - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Feb 17, 2025

How Do Wildfires Impact Plants?

Wildfires can have a wide range of effects on trees and other plants in affected areas, according to NC State professor Robert Scheller.
A wildfire emits a large plume of smoke near a lake. - How Do Wildfires Impact Water Quality? - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Jan 23, 2025

How Do Wildfires Impact Water Quality?

High-intensity wildfires can remove vegetation and reduce the ability of soils to take up water, leading to increased runoff of ash and other pollutants into waterways.
A stand of dead trees and stumps along the coast of North Carolina - Natural Resources Students Raise Awareness of Ghost Forests - College of Natural Resources at NC State University

Jan 16, 2025

Study Examines How Climate Change Has Shaped Coastal Forests Over the Last Decade

A new study finds that climate change may have a range of contrasting effects on coastal forests, both slowing and enabling growth in areas where sea levels are rising and storms are more common.
Two individuals stand in front of a wildfire. - Strong Winds Can Make It More Difficult, Dangerous to Extinguish Wildfires - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Jan 15, 2025

Strong Winds Can Make It More Difficult, Dangerous to Extinguish Wildfires

Strong winds can carry flames and embers into areas with unburned fuel, igniting new fires that can potentially trap firefighters or force them to retreat.
Green trees on a mountain under a blue sky during daytime. - How 'Thirsty' Trees May Make Forests More Vulnerable to Climate Change - College of Natural Resources News NC State University

Dec 11, 2024

How ‘Thirsty’ Trees May Make Forests More Vulnerable to Climate Change

A new study suggests that increased maple populations may leave forests in western North Carolina more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like flooding and drought.
Wide shot of forest fire - Hurricanes Can Increase Wildfire Risk, Expert Says - College of Natural Resources News at NC State University

Oct 24, 2024

Hurricanes Can Increase Wildfire Risk, Expert Says

Damaged trees can become a significant fire hazard in dry conditions, according to NC State professor Robert Scheller.