HABERSHAM MAN EARNS STATE WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING AWARD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 14, 2025 A Georgia Forestry Commission wildland firefighter has earned the agency’s top award for leadership skills that bring significant protection to the state’s landowners. Will Dale of Lula, Georgia, has been named GFC’s 2025 Wildland Firefighter of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in all aspects of wildfire training … Continue Reading →
VIDALIA FORESTER EARNS 2025 AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 14, 2025 Forester Matthew O’Connor jumped into action after Hurricane Helene swept through his Vidalia yard in 2024. Little did he think that just over a year later, his can-do decisions would help earn him special recognition from the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). O’Connor, who has been with GFC for six … Continue Reading →
Leaf Watch Report for November 6th, 2025
Northwest Georgia Foilage color change is currently at peak as nearly all overstory trees have transitioned from green to a variety of colors. We’re seeing a more uniform shift to slightly muted tones of yellow, red, orange, gold, and bronze. Northern red oak is in full swing, shifting from bright red and green to deeper … Continue Reading →
GFC FORESTER PROMOTED TO REGIONAL LEADERSHIP ROLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 3, 2025 South Georgia native Mark Madray is bringing his life-long passion for forestry to a regional leadership position with the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). Following a decade of service with the agency, Madray has been named Region 3 Manager for the GFC. In his new position, Madray will oversee forestry … Continue Reading →
Leaf Watch Report for October 29th, 2025
Northwest Georgia This is shaping up to be a very good fall color season. The healthy canopy established during the summer, combined with the recent beneficial rain, have created the ideal conditions for vibrant color. High leaf retention from a variety of oak species, maple, hickory, beech, and sweetgum continue to provide swaths of color. … 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 →
Leaf Watch Report for October 22nd, 2025
Northwest Georgia Fall color is becoming more pronounced across Northwest Georgia this week. A percentage of all tree species have officially begun to show color, with some displaying notable changes. Oaks, which are typically the last to turn as they require more sustained cool weather to break down chlorophyll, are already showing vibrant colors. Chestnut … Continue Reading →
Leaf Watch Report for October 15th, 2025
NOTE: The regions are showing some color disparities due to differing soil moisture levels, elevations, sun exposure, and the east-to-west progression of fall color! Northwest Georgia Fall color progression continues in the region, though the pace has been slowed by unusually dry conditions. While green remains the dominant color across the landscape, the palette is … Continue Reading →
Leaf Watch Report for October 8th, 2025
Northwest Georgia Fall color change is steadily progressing as we enter the second week of October with subtle but noticeable shifts as new colors emerge. While green still dominates the landscape, we’re seeing some subtle shifts in color with scattered pockets of vibrant hints of the transformation to come. Blackgum and dogwood are currently leading … Continue Reading →
Leaf Watch Report for October 2nd, 2025
Northwest Georgia The forest canopy remains mostly green, though rocky outcrops and well-drained slopes are browning and shedding leaves due to moisture stress. A select few maples are starting to flash red and yellow while some sweetgums are shifting from green to deep maroon. Oaks are still holding their green but are gradually fading to … Continue Reading →
