Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
 

Adam Downing - Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Teaching Responsibilities

    Assess educational needs related to forestry natural resources for landowners, homeowners, professionals, municipalities, and interested citizens throughout Virginia Cooperative Extension's 19 county northern district. To design, deliver and evaluate educational programs to meet these needs using a variety of formats including workshops, seminars, conferences, field trips, tours, one-on-one assistance, distance delivery, etc.

    Mission Statement: To enable people to make best decisions regarding forests & natural resources, within their realm of influence, resulting in environmentally sustainable management, growth, and quality of life for that person and that community.

Selected Publications

  • Downing, A, J. Kays and J. Finley. 2007. Education of Backyard Woods Owners for Management of a Neglected Resource. In Proceedings: Emerging Issues Along Urban-Rural Interfaxes II, Linking Land-Use Science and Society. April 9-12, 2007. Atlanta, GA.  Online: http://www.sfws.auburn.edu/urbanruralinterfaces/proceedings.pdf

  • Downing, A.K., J.S. Kays, and J. Finley. 2007. Backyard Woodlot Owners: A Growing Issue and New Approach. In Proceedings:  The Southern Region Conference on Technology Transfer and Extension Education. August 2-4, 2006. Little Rock, AL. (In press)

  • Kays, J. J. Drohan, A. Downing, J. Finley. 2006 The Woods in Your Backyard: Learning to Create and Enhance Natural Areas Around Your Home. Ithaca, NY: Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Engineering Service. NRAES-184
  • Downing, A. and J. Finley. 2005. Private Forest Landowners: What they want in an educational Program. Journal of Extension. 7 pp. URL: www.joe.org/joe/2005february/rb4.shtml.
  • Downing, A. 2006. Extension Forestry Serving Virginia’s Private Forest Landowners. Virginia Forests: 62(1): 8-10.
  • Downing, A.K. 1999. Private Forest Landowners: What They Want in an Educational Program. Typed and bound thesis, 75 p.
  • Downing, A.K., S.S. Smith, J.C. Finley, and S.E. Chunko, 2000. Forest Stewardship. Penn State Cooperative Extension. The Pennsylvania State University. 4 p.
  • Downing, A.K. 1999. Indoor Forestry? Pennsylvania Forests. 90(4):12.
  • Downing, A.K. 2000. Current Issue in Forestry - Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). Agricultural News, Cornell Cooperative Extension. July, pg. 8.
  • Downing, AK 2000. Choosing a Forester. Country Folks of Pennsylvania. August 28: Sec. A: 21.

Professional Achievements

Awards

  • Communication Award, National Winner - publication.  2007. National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

  • Education Aids Blue Ribbon Award - Publications: Manuals or Workbooks. 2007. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

  • Young Forester Leadership. 2006. Appalachian Region, Society of American Foresters.
  • Achievement Award, 4-H & Youth Recognition Program - State Winner. 2006. National Association of County Agricultural Agents.
  • Communication Award: Individual Newsletter, State Winner. 2006. National Association of County Agricultural Agents.
  • Program Organization, Exceptional Programming Award. 2006. Southern Region Extension Forestry.
  • Young Forester Leadership. 2006. Virginia Division of the Society of American Foresters.
  • Communication Award: Radio. National Finalist. 2006. National Association of County Agricultural Agents.
  • Refereed Journal Article, Gold Award. 2006. Association of Natural Resource Professionals.
  • Communication Award, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, NATIONAL FINALIST – Radio program, 2005
  • Outstanding Educational Material Award, Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals, GOLD AWARD – Radio, 2005.
  • Outstanding Educational Material Award, Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals, BRONZE AWARD –Short Publication, 2005.
  • Communications Award, National Finalist - publication. 2001. National Association of County Agricultural. Agents.
  • Communication Award, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, NATIONAL FINALIST – Radio program, 2005
  • Outstanding Educational Material Award, Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals, GOLD AWARD – Radio, 2005.
  • Outstanding Educational Material Award, Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals, BRONZE AWARD –Short Publication, 2005.
  • Communications Award, National Finalist - publication. 2001. National Association of County Agricultural. Agents.

Positions

  • Communication Chair, Virginia Division Society of American Foresters. 2006 - present
  • President, Board of Directors of the Virginia Urban Forestry Council. 2004, 2005.
  • Chair, Skyline Chapter, Society of American Foresters – Virginia Division. 2004