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Outreach & Extension

Two people flying a drone

We believe in the land-grant mission

It’s woven into so much of what we do and leads us down paths that allow us to serve the commonwealth and our local communities. We educate landowners, create online tools for vintners, teach drone technology, and help discover the state’s champion trees.

We believe our public service work exemplifies the Virginia Tech ideal of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) and has the power to transform. Thus, we plan to remain steeped in the land-grant tradition while re-envisioning the role of the land-grant university as we become more global and more impactful than ever before.

Are you a landowner? A real estate professional? We are here to help.

A group of women and men gathered in a forest.

Whether you are just beginning to develop a management plan for your property or have many years of experience, the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program (VFLEP) offers a variety of events and resources to educate and inform.

VFLEP helps individuals and agents manage their properties while preserving natural resources through short courses about sustainable forestry, managing wildlife, selling timber, and more; online learning options; Fall Forestry and Wildlife Field Tours; Beginning Landowner Weekend Retreats; the Woods and Wildlife Conference; and a variety of workshops such as Learn and Burn and Preparing for Generation NEXT.

Brian Bond named associate dean for extension, outreach, and engagement

Headshot of Professor Brian Bond

Brian Bond, professor of sustainable biomaterials and extension specialist, has been named associate dean for extension, outreach, and engagement for the College of Natural Resources and Environment.

Bond will work with extension agents and specialists within CNRE and throughout Virginia Cooperative Extension to increase their visibility, collaboration, and representation. Have questions or want to partner with us? Contact Brian at bbond@vt.edu or 540-231-8752.

One of our greatest resources is our champion trees

As Virginians, we are proud of our big trees. In 2020, the commonwealth moved into first place nationally for the greatest number of champion and co-champion trees.

Did you know that you can be a part of the certification process? The Virginia Big Tree Program is coordinated by the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation with the goal of promoting the care and appreciation of all trees. If you are a tree enthusiast, consider getting involved by hunting, measuring, and reporting big trees in your area.

With the help of his trusty assistant, Katie Pritchard, John Boyer recorded mini lectures all over the world to broadcast to his World Regions students on campus. Here, they are atop Lion’s Head Mountain overlooking Cape Town, South Africa.

Boyer records mini lecture on Lion's Head Mountain in South Africa.

Put your knowledge to work as a Virginia Master Naturalist

Master Naturalists Adrienne Frank, left, and Gary Driscole kayak to check one of 16 Prothonotary warbler boxes installed by the Historic Rivers Chapter in the Tidewater Region. Photo courtesy of the Historic Rivers Chapter.

Measuring Package Dimensions

If you love the outdoors and are interested in helping communities learn about and manage their natural spaces, consider volunteering as part of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program. Master Naturalists are organized into chapters all across the commonwealth, and they train and serve with partner groups and institutions. Projects have included creating a wildlife habitat garden, monitoring streams, creating walking trails, and assisting with bird conservation efforts.

Master Naturalists are required to complete a basic training course and take part in volunteer service and continuing education. If you have time and enthusiasm to share, consider getting on board!

CNRE faculty have a long history of working with industry and agency partners and have areas of expertise that range from utilizing new technologies to enhance the Appalachian hardwood market to propagating endangered freshwater mullusks in Virginia and nearby states.

Additional resources for outreach and extension

Name and Email Title Phone
Scott Barrett Extension Specialist, Forest Operations Coordinator, SHARP Logger Program 540-231-6702
Brian Bond Extension Specialist, Wood Products 540-231-8752
Urs Buehlmann Extension Specialist, Wood Products 540-231-9759
Neil Clark Extension Agent, Natural Resources, Southeast and Tidewater area 757-653-2572
Michelle Prysby Director, Virginia Master Naturalist Program 434-872-4571
Adam Downing Senior Extension Agent, Natural Resources, Northern Piedmont and Northern Valley area 540-948-6881
K. Jason Fisher Senior Extension Agent, Natural Resources, Central and Southside Virginia area 434-476-2147 x3389
Jennifer Gagnon Extension Associate, Forestry; Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program 540-231-6391
John McGee Extension Specialist, Geospatial Technology; Coordinator, Virginia Geospatial Extension Program 540-231-2428
John Munsell Extension Specialist, Forest Management 540-231-1611
James Parkhurst Extension Specialist, Wildlife 540-231-9283
Kyle Peer Extension Associate, Christmas Trees 276-694-4135
P. Eric Wiseman Associate Professor of Urban Forestry 540-231-5148
William Worrell Extension Agent, Natural Resources, Southwest Virginia 276-889-8056