CAFNR

Extension

Q&A

Q&A with Sarah Havens

Havens is a field specialist in natural resources with the Agriculture and Environment Extension Program.

Nov. 12, 2021

Written by Genevieve Howard

print mail

women with an orange helmet and chainsaw cutting downed logs
Collecting sap in the woods
Maple syrup time is one of Havens’ favorite times of the year. Here, she collects sap from the woods.

What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?

I am a field specialist in Natural Resources. In my role I offer programs on forest management and wildlife management. These programs include timber sales, forest stand improvement, invasive species, chainsaw operation, food plots for wildlife and agroforestry. I partner with other natural resources agencies for some of this programming. This has included joint programming with Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pheasant Forever/Quail Forever, National Turkey Federation and National Deer Association. 

I also offer natural resources programming for youth through 4-H Energizers, 4-H summer camps, school programs and other various opportunities.  

I also provide assistance for private landowners with questions about tree health, forest management, invasive species, wildlife, agroforestry, Christmas trees, and tree syruping.  

How long have you worked in this position?

Three years. 

What is your favorite part about the work you do?

Sarah Havens fly fishing
When not in the woods, you’ll find Sarah Havens in the water fly fishing or mentoring foster kids on the joys of fly fishing,

The variety! Every day is different in Extension and I love that! I also really love helping Missourians every day to sustain and conserve our natural resources.  

How are you helping MU A&E Extension reach our #2xAg2030 goal?

Through programming, articles, presentations, and consultations I am working to help Missourians maintain environmental integrity by educating them about good forest and wildlife practices. I also contribute to increasing agroforestry production in Missouri which has a lot of room for growth in Missouri! 

What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?

I love to fly fish! I have started a project in Missouri for The Mayfly Project (see https://themayflyproject.com/bennett-spring-missouri-project/), a non–profit that mentors foster children through teaching them how to fly fish. They learn an appreciation for the outdoors and a skill that provides a lot of peace! 

What is your hometown and educational background?

I grew up in St. Charles and went to Francis Howell Central. I received a Bachelor of Science in forest resource management from Mizzou and my master’s in environmental biology from Missouri S&T. I am currently working on a doctorate in human dimensions of natural resources at Mizzou. 

Agriculture and Environment Extension is a partnership between MU Extension and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.