Time to Applaud Our Planet – and Take Action!
GFC Guest blog by Gloria Camacho, Director, Georgia Forestry Foundation Georgians are joining more than one billion people in 190+ countries this week to celebrate Earth Day! Wednesday, April 22, 2026 is the 56th anniversary of this global environmental movement. It brings together individuals, students, communities, faith groups, elected officials, and organizations worldwide to coordinate … Continue Reading →
Love it or hate it…the truth about tree pollen.
Have your conversations turned to “yellow” yet? They will be soon. Pollen time is upon us. And as much as we humans may dislike the dust, birds, bees, and trees really dig it! We’ve shared this information before and it deserves another go’round. As you spray away “Wash Me!” from your car, take a moment … Continue Reading →
Understanding Fire in Georgia: Why You May See Smoke During Drought Conditions
Across Georgia, dry conditions have led to an increase in wildfire activity. When rainfall is limited and vegetation dries out, even the smallest spark can quickly turn into a wildfire. That’s why the Georgia Forestry Commission is urging everyone to use extreme caution when spending time outdoors. But for many Georgians, this moment can feel … Continue Reading →
Georgia’s Champion Tree Program: An Arbor Day Salute
Georgia’s Arbor Day is the ideal time to celebrate the champions among us – Champion Trees, that is! The Champion Tree Program is a vital initiative that highlights the tallest and most majestic trees across the state. In a recent conversation on GFC’s podcast, The Forestry Forum, our Urban Forestry Specialist Dave Long shared insights … Continue Reading →
NEIGHBORS PROTECTING NEIGHBORS: GEORGIA’S RURAL FIRE DEFENSE PROGRAM
Blog by: Justin Brown, Georgia Forestry Commission Rural Fire Defense Coordinator Every rural fire department has a story—of volunteers stepping up, neighbors helping neighbors, and communities built on resilience. For decades, the Rural Fire Defense Program has played a vital role in those stories, helping protect lives, homes, and Georgia’s natural landscapes. Today, we’re working … Continue Reading →
Fighting Fire. Protecting Forests. Serving Georgia. WE ARE GFC!
Fighting Fire. Protecting Forests. Serving Georgia. – WE ARE GFC! The words “first responder” bring to mind images of ambulances, EMT’s, and fire trucks screaming up to a blazing house fire or highway wreck. The brave men and women who perform these services are heroes of uncommon ability. Yet there’s another group of first responders you … Continue Reading →
WHY PINE SEEDLING GENETICS MATTER MORE THAN EVER IN GEORGIA
From Georgia’s Coastal Plain to the Piedmont and into the foothills, the closure of pulp mills has changed how forests must be grown. While the economic effects are easy to see, another shift is happening at the forest level: pine seedling genetics matter more than ever. For decades, pulp mills provided a dependable market for … Continue Reading →
‘Tis the Season – for Georgia Grown Trees!
At the Georgia Forestry Commission, we think December is pretty special. Not only is it the time for traditional holiday celebrations, it is also a time when TREES are in the spotlight! Many Georgians are choosing live Christmas trees over manufactured ones this year. Besides the marvelous fragrance a live Christmas tree provides, you can … Continue Reading →
SALUTING GFC’S ‘BEST OF THE BEST’
The GFC pauses annually to recognize strides made by our agency during the year. As events are evaluated and statistics are calculated, the achievements of units statewide and the employees behind them are noted. Acknowledging the hard work of our team brings pride to us all. Four awards are given each year to recognize specific … Continue Reading →
Navigating Georgia’s Fire Seasons: Insights from the Georgia Forestry Forum
Autumn is well underway, and with it come falling leaves and rising wildfire risk. It’s a busy period for the Georgia Forestry Commission, because dry, windy conditions can give flames the upper hand, especially in north Georgia. Urban expansion into forested areas can complicate matters. That’s why we’re sharpening our defense with strategic planning. GFC … Continue Reading →
