What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?
My position title is Forest Management Educator. My primary responsibility is to assist forest landowners in my coverage area. I provide technical assistance, create forest management plans and coordinate with the Natural Resource Conservation Service to enroll landowners in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. This program shares the cost of sustainable forestry practices with private landowners, addressing concerns that could negatively impact water quality, forest health, wildlife and soil health.
How long have you worked in this position?
I started this role in June of 2024, so I have been with Extension about 15 months.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
I enjoy helping landowners enact active forest management. Ninety-three percent of Missouri is privately owned, so it is meaningful for me to be a part of the process that enhances these natural communities that make up the bulk of the state’s area.
How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?
Producers are not often aware of the suite of cost-sharing and grant programs available that incentivize forest management. In addition, landowners are not aware of the benefits of many of these practices. By connecting landowners with financial resources and educating and preparing them on best practices for forest management, these landowners are increasing the resiliency, value and diversity of their forested acres.
What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?
I am an avid birdwatcher! I enjoy spending time in the outdoors. Bird communities are indicators of healthy natural communities, so it ties back into my work at MU Extension.
What is your hometown, place of high school graduation, and degrees/universities?
I grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, and I graduated from De Smet Jesuit High School. I completed my undergraduate in May of 2024 at the University of Missouri. My degree is Natural Resource Science and Management, with an emphasis in Terrestrial Ecosystems. I also received a certificate in Geographic Information Systems.