Talking Forests

Rachel and I met at the National Society of American Foresters Conference in Louisville, Kentucky in November of 2019 at the student mentor session put on by my mentee the National Student Chair of SAF, Brittany Church. Rachel was enthusiastic about soils and urban forestry. I studied some of that in my college, but was curious what her take was on studying it now. She said soils is a hard class, but it is the foundation of forests. Without soil, we would not exist. We discussed her personally in the beginning of the interview and she has already been on track with internships and volunteer positions that have helped her achieve many opportunities such as scholarships. We openly discuss something that is just now coming out and a much needed conversation around disabilities while in college and while being in the forest sector. If I could relate to her in this conversation, I am sure many of you will as well, listen in! 

Rachel Murray is currently a senior Urban Forestry at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas and will be graduating in May 2020. She will be attending the graduate program at SFA to obtain a master’s in environmental science. Her goal is to work one day at an urban forestry company or environmental consulting firm studying urban soils. She is passionate about sharing her story of having dyslexia and anxiety and completing a degree in forestry. She wants to be an advocate for people with disabilities in the forestry industry. Her hobbies include exploring the outdoors, reading books, and playing board games with her friends.

Rachel can be reached at her email: [email protected]

Want to be featured? Schedule your interview with Talking Forests on this link: www.calendly.com/talkingforests

Voice by Gordon Collier  www.linkedin.com/in/jgordoncollier/ 

Spring by Ikson  www.soundcloud.com/ikson 

Music promoted by Audio Library  www.youtu.be/5WPnrvEMIdo

Talking Forests recorded this as a live video (https://youtu.be/pK4H72XWVow) from Yosemite National Park at the Society of Wood Science and Technology Conference Oct 20-25th. (www.swst.org or @societywood on social media). 

We do not own the rights to the "Most Girls" Hailee Steinfeld Song used in the video or podcast audio.

Her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pipiet/

"Originally from Indonesia, Pipiet won a scholarship for pursuing a PhD in a top university anywhere in the world. However, she chose to come to Oregon State University and work with Dr Eric Hansen in Wood Science and Engineering Department.

Pipiet got her Bachelor in Forestry from IPB University/Bogor Agricultural University in Indonesia, and Master in Forestry Science from University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

Pipiet is an interdisciplinary scholar and social scientist. She is studying competitive marketing and business management strategies of forest products innovation, including business development of engineered wood products (such as Cross Laminated Timber/CLT), public perceptions of wooden multi story building (Tall Wood Buildings), and gender diversity in the forest sector workforce and higher education.

Pipiet likes traveling (been to 5 continents) and popular writing (I have published a novel and a movie scenario while I’m here doing PhD). She also have a passion in science communication and been featured in TV show, radio show, podcast, and magazines."

For more information about her work, please visit https://www.competitive-forest.com/

Want to be featured? Schedule your interview with Talking Forests on this link: www.calendly.com/talkingforests

Voice by Gordon Collier  www.linkedin.com/in/jgordoncollier/ 

Spring by Ikson  www.soundcloud.com/ikson 

Music promoted by Audio Library  www.youtu.be/5WPnrvEMIdo

We interview Andrew Heald, Technical Director, Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor), UK

Twitter: www.twitter.com/andyheald

Andrew is the Technical Director for Confor. He has over 20 years’ experience in forest and plantation management, and has worked in the UK, Finland, Uruguay and Ghana. Confor is a trade body representing 1,500 numbers across the UK forestry and forest products sector.  Andrew sits on the Board of Directors of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard, and was the Coordinator for the Economic Chamber at the most recent FSC International General Assembly in Vancouver. He also works as a Consultant with WWF International helping deliver New Generation Plantations, a multi-stakeholder platform to help people learn about better plantation management though real world experiences and influence others to follow good examples. Andrew is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, and spends far too much time on Twitter @andyheald.

Want to be featured? Schedule your interview with Talking Forests on this link: www.calendly.com/talkingforests   

Voice by Gordon Collier  www.linkedin.com/in/jgordoncollier/   

Spring by Ikson  www.soundcloud.com/ikson  

Music promoted by Audio Library  www.youtu.be/5WPnrvEMIdo

Luke Hemmings is working with the UK Forestry Commission and I met him at the Institute for Chartered Foresters (https://www.charteredforesters.org/)  National Conference this April. He is great to connect with!

@lwhemmings on Instagram and Twitter

His blog:

https://thebeardedforester.wordpress.com/author/thebeardedforester/

"I am truly passionate about and fully committed to multi-purpose Forestry and upholding the highest standards of Silviculture and Forest Management. I won the Woodland Heritage "Prince of Wales Award" for ‘Outstanding Young Person of the Year’ in 2011; was involved in planting new native woodlands in Slovakia as part of a community regeneration program; am a member of The Institute of Chartered Foresters and ConFor, and a fully qualified chainsaw operator.

Want to be featured? Schedule your interview with Talking Forests on   this link: calendly.com/talkingforests   Voice by Gordon Collier  www.linkedin.com/in/jgordoncollier/   Spring by Ikson   soundcloud.com/ikson  Music promoted by Audio Library   youtu.be/5WPnrvEMIdo

Follow Myles on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/priiimal

My name is Myles Vernon Polk, I am originally from San Diego, California and currently reside in Tuskegee, Alabama. I attended The Piney Woods Boarding School in Mississippi for high school and gained a Bachelors of Science Degree in Plant and Soil Science with a focus in Forest Management from Tuskegee University. I was a student in the Pathways Program established by the United States Forest Service throughout college which allowed me to work in various disciplines within Forestry during my summers. I spent my summers working mainly in timber and fire management but I also had the opportunity to work in areas such as wildlife, watershed management, soil science and silviculture on multiple forest. After graduating from college In 2015 I was offered a position as a Forester in Silviculture on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in Idaho. Soon after taking this position I became the Genetics Coordinator on the same forest. I spent three years coordinating the tree genetics program, climbing trees to collect scion, pollen and cones as well as managing a 60+ acre Tree Improvement Area with various tree species. Once my son was born in 2017 I decided to apply for positions in the southeastern region to be closer to family. I was offered a position in 2018 on the Tuskegee National Forest which is located in the same county as my alma mater. I now work on the Tuskegee National Forest as a Forestry Tech and frequently work with Tuskegee University and Auburn University through partnerships. I really enjoy my current position as I am on the smallest US National Forest with a staff of only six employees which allows me to work in many different areas of natural resource management. My main job duties reside in the realm of timber management, silviculture, safety, fire management and education but at any moment I may be asked to assist with wildlife, recreation, soil, watershed management or anything else within the range of Forestry Science. The main focus on the Tuskegee National Forest is the restoration of the Longleaf pine ecosystem. I spend my time outside of the woods on family, spiritual growth, exercise, photography/videography, horticulture and community engagement (personal and group exercise training, fitness and natural resource educational programs and community service). My goal in the world of social media is to show everyone all of the amazing things I have stumbled upon in my life that may not be popular with the masses, especially within the African-American community. I am an African-American male from the inner city that was guided to nature somehow and loved it. I found my true passion in the middle of the woods, so I hope I can inspire others to think outside of the box and explore the things that may not be the stereotypical choice for their race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age or any other labels society may place on them.

Want to be featured? Schedule your interview with Talking Forests on   this link: calendly.com/talkingforests   Voice by Gordon Collier  www.linkedin.com/in/jgordoncollier/   Spring by Ikson   soundcloud.com/ikson  Music promoted by Audio Library   youtu.be/5WPnrvEMIdo

America's Forests host Chuck Leavell is one of a kind.  Often on tour with The Rolling  Stones, he’s both acclaimed as a  rock-and-roll piano player AND as a conservationist tree farmer.  The  Executive Producers of America's Forests are Bruce Ward and Kate Raisz.  Bruce is the founder and President of Choose Outdoors. Kate has known Bruce for years! Go to www.americasforestswithchuckleavell.com In this episode of Talking Forests, Kate has made it her goal to help the people who do not always get out into the forests to have a way to connect with them through television and documenting them around the world. In the Oregon episode of America's Forests they filmed a great piece about cross-laminated timber, in Colorado they filmed about the ways forests benefit the city of Denver's drinking supply of water, and the episode premiering this Winter will give a great overview in South Carolina of the Sustainable Land Retention Program. She discussed Climate Change in Forests and we talked about the newest generation coming out with a big voice to help our forests. Part of what Kate does is talking to different people around the world to gain insights and a new perspective to put in a film or TV show. She loves making people feel comfortable so that they can tell their story in a meaningful way. Building a community is huge. How do we connect those humans in cities to connect them to the forests around them? Air, water, and recreation keep people alive.  Kate Raisz is an award-winning media producer, director, and writer with thirty years of experience making films, websites, and interactive experiences for museums and broadcast television. Her expertise lies in translating complex ideas from science and natural history into compelling and dramatic media pieces for the general public. Clients include Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Utah Museum of Natural History, Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, Biomuseo Panama, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Inner Space Center, NOAA, New England Aquarium, the Aquarium of the Pacific, History Channel, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Channel. Additional skills: fluent Spanish, conversational French, skiing, hiking, camping, and kayaking!   Want to be featured? Schedule your interview with Talking Forests on  this link: calendly.com/talkingforests   Voice by Gordon Collier  www.linkedin.com/in/jgordoncollier/   Spring by Ikson  soundcloud.com/ikson  Music promoted by Audio Library  youtu.be/5WPnrvEMIdo 

America's Forests host Chuck Leavell is one of a kind. Often on tour with The Rolling  Stones, he’s both acclaimed as a rock-and-roll piano player AND as a conservationist tree farmer.  The Executive Producers of America's Forests are Bruce Ward and Kate Raisz. Bruce is the founder and President of Choose Outdoors. Katie has known Bruce for years!  Go to www.americasforestswithchuckleavell.com  In this episode of Talking Forests, we talk about the strong connection we have with the land, forestry and urban communities, how we can tell our story and engage with society.  We talked about the spectrum of personalities and how we need more of that in the workplace to have more diversity. Katie's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-fernholz-948405b/ Kathryn (Katie) Fernholz is a dynamic and compelling expert addressing the environment and sustainability. She brings a unique combination of both a broad understanding of the complex interconnection between society and the environment, and the experience of her own personal journey from a family organic farm to forestry school to being a leader and international expert on the responsible management of forests and farms. Katie shares her knowledge and experience with diverse audiences and engages them in developing a clear understanding of natural systems within an historical context and an exploration of their own land ethic - the relationship each of us has with our environment and the personal values that define it. Her passion for the complexity and beauty of natural ecosystems blends with a pragmatic recognition of the challenges and choices that we are faced with, as well as the tools - heart and mind - that must be united if we are to move forward. Katie lives in Minnesota and works, travels, and speaks throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Kathryn is Chair of the Minnesota Society of American Foresters and on the Minnesota Forest Resources Council. Kathryn served as a member of the Advisory Board for the Blandin Foundation's Vital Forests/Vital Communities Initiative, and currently serves on the Minnesota DNR's Stewardship Committee, Minnesota’s Forests for the Future Committee, and the Woodlands Committee for the American Forest Foundation. She is a past-member of the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, Sustainable Furnishings Council, Renewing the Countryside, the Forest Stewards Guild, and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences Alumni Society.  She is currently a board member for the North American Forest Partnership, the Minnesota Insititute for Sustainable Agriculture, and the American Forest Foundation. 

Want to be featured? Schedule your interview with Talking Forests on  this link: calendly.com/talkingforests   Voice by Gordon Collier  www.linkedin.com/in/jgordoncollier/   Spring by Ikson  soundcloud.com/ikson  Music promoted by Audio Library  youtu.be/5WPnrvEMIdo 

Max Schrimpf is rocking timber sports, his forest internship with Ohio Division of Forestry, and surveying for insects! 

Check out his Instagram: www.instagram.com/ranger_max68

I currently am a college student, about to go into my 5th year at The Ohio State University. I was born and raised here in Ohio. I started my college career at Wright State University wanting to pursue Meteorology but had to declare Geography as they did not have a program. I transferred to OSU as a sophomore and began as a meteorology major but after a semester decided that it really wasn’t for me (though I still really love weather). I changed my major to Forestry after thinking about what I really wanted to do, and thinking that I always wanted to work outdoors. I have worked a couple jobs in food service, both of which were as glamourous as they sound. For three summers after high school, I worked as the Assistant Ranger at my home Boy Scout Camp, doing various maintenance, landscaping, and coordinating with large groups about events. I was originally hired by the Ohio Division of Forestry back in February 2018 as an intern to paint state forest boundary. I’ve done that for 2 winter seasons. Currently, I serve as a summer forest health intern that works with our Hemlock program. We treat hemlock stands in southeastern Ohio for the Hemlock Wooley Adelgid. Our primary hemlock stands are in Hocking State Forest, which is where we are based out of. This area is most famous for Hocking Hills State Park, which houses such natural wonders as Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. The state forest surrounds the state park. During the academic year, I work at the main office in Columbus, fulfilling various administrative tasks and conducting low-risk ALB surveys as well as helping to administer our Champion Tree Program. Outside of work I like to dabble in woodworking and photography, I also enjoy participating in timber sports with OSU’s forestry club.  

Want to be featured? Schedule your interview with Talking Forests on  this link: calendly.com/talkingforests  

Voice by Gordon Collier  www.linkedin.com/in/jgordoncollier/  

Spring by Ikson  soundcloud.com/ikson  Music promoted by Audio Library  youtu.be/5WPnrvEMIdo  

Maria and Graise started Women with Resolve to bring people together in a community. Candra joined in shortly after they created the group and they want to Ask Me Anything. As an avid podcaster who asks everyone else questions, I was so down to be interviewed.  

Women With Resolve is a space for women in conservation to build meaningful and genuine relationships, find allies, resources, inspiration and opportunities, through our shared purpose.   Everyone is welcome — women and men — but our community is focused on connecting those who are dedicated to elevating women in social and environmental conservation. 

Here is the group: www.facebook.com/groups/womenwithresolve/

In this episode we talked about:

3:50 Candra moved to Germany in 2018, Maria ask me how did that change how I was working and how are you adapting?

Transformation, Priorities, and Online work helped Candra move forward.

5:42 What did you learn there that you would bring back?

The recycling system and turning our bio-waste into energy. Solar panel parking spaces. Shade for your car and a place to store energy for later use.

8:35 How do you stay resilient and cope with challenge?

I set out standards, a vision and staying to that course with a business plan, but it is just that a plan. 

10:05 You have had to learn new skills that you were not taught in college, how did you do it?

My writing skills did come from college and have translated to me being a copywriter for social media. 

One of the challenges for me has been to figure out my worth and place a value on what I do.

The social media aspect, I did not go to college for that, but I was interned and mentored by a communications director for 1.5 years.

12:50 How do you keep up the support for yourself?

I go to Reiki healing sessions and have been going through a healing transformation. I am definitely a nature empath. Ground myself in nature all the time, gardening, walking my dogs and walking outside. 

when I am overwhelmed I have a support system and I seek guidance and free counseling. I make military spouse friends really fast. 

14:55 Anything else you would like to share with us?

How would you like to see the forest sector/conservation change?

We have preconceived notions about what other generations are going to be like. We need to educate each other and be each other's mentors. 

Money, knowledge, and resources are unlimited. It is whether we access it or not. 

Want to be featured? Schedule your interview with Talking Forests on  this link: calendly.com/talkingforests  

Voice by Gordon Collier  www.linkedin.com/in/jgordoncollier/  

Spring by Ikson  soundcloud.com/ikson  Music promoted by Audio Library  youtu.be/5WPnrvEMIdo