Avoiding Common Mistakes in Forestry: Highlights from the Georgia Forestry Forum Podcast
The practice of forestry can be a complex undertaking, as landowners face numerous decisions regarding land management. Whether you’re dealing with 20 acres or 2,000, having a solid understanding of forest management is crucial. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common pitfalls landowners encounter and share insights from seasoned forestry experts: Georgia … Continue Reading →
From Georgia to Virginia: Two Weeks on the Fireline
On July 9, I joined a crew of 20 firefighters from across the state of Georgia mobilizing for a hand-crew assignment to the Taylor Hollow fire in Virginia’s George Washington National Forest. It was my first out-of-state assignment after completing several online courses, in-person RT-130 training (annual safety training covering fire shelters, decision making, hazard … Continue Reading →
Educators Bring Forestry into the Classroom – One Tree at a Time
A new school year brings new opportunities to explore – and here’s my secret: you don’t need an entire forest to get started! It only takes one tree, one safe space outdoors, and one person willing to take the time to get students outside. A single tree, a small patch of nature, or even open … Continue Reading →
Summer Tree Care
Summer in Georgia is hot! We, our pets, and our AC bills are all feeling the heat. But don’t forget that our trees are also dealing with heat stress. They do a ton of work to cool our homes and communities, but also need some extra care in the intense summer heat. The most important … Continue Reading →
Navigating the Front Lines: Inside Georgia’s Forestry Dispatch Centers
In the latest episode of our podcast, The Georgia Forestry Forum, we turn the spotlight to the often-unsung heroes on the front lines of wildfire response: the dispatchers. Becky Waller and Ashley Booth, response center managers at Tifton and Macon, respectively, peeled back the curtain on the fast-paced, high-pressure world within Georgia’s Forestry Dispatch Centers. … Continue Reading →
Planning for Planting – GFC Seedling Selection Time is Here!
“The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The next best time is now.” You’ve likely heard that quote before. While its origin is unclear, it famously applies to trees – and for good reason! Trees provide beautiful and functional benefits for us today, and a lasting promise for tomorrow’s generations. As … Continue Reading →
Is a Forestry Career Right for You? GFC Has Jobs!
Graduation season is an exciting time filled with celebrations, milestones, and big questions about what comes next. For recent graduates searching for meaningful work, a little adventure, and the opportunity to make a real difference, forestry may be the career path for you! When people think about forestry careers, they often picture someone planting trees … Continue Reading →
After the Flames: Why Wildfire Mop-up Matters
As news about the historic South Georgia wildfires continues to improve, firefighting efforts have shifted into the closing stages. Crews are now focused on the “mop-up” phase, which is just as critical as the initial attack. What is mop up? Mop-up is the process of locating, extinguishing, and securing any remaining heat or burning material … Continue Reading →
Inside Georgia’s Wildfire Preparedness Efforts
Blog by: Johnny Sabo, GFC Director In anticipation of elevated wildfire risk following Hurricane Helene and ongoing drought conditions, the Georgia Forestry Commission has spent the past several years strengthening wildfire preparedness, prevention, mitigation, detection, and response capabilities across the state. Through strategic planning, operational enhancements, technology investments, workforce development, public outreach, and strong legislative … Continue Reading →
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 →