| Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals
Monthly Digest March 2026 |
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In this edition - President's Corner
- International Extension Exchange
- NENPI Native Plant Webinar Series
- ANREP Biennial Conference Update
- Southern Fire Exchange's Inaugural Pine Rockland Fire Science Workshop
- Invasive Plant Removal and Habitat Restoration at Carrollwood Village Park
- ANREP Jobs Board Postings
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| President's Corner...
Leslie Boby ANREP President 2026 |
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How can ANREP serve you better?
I recently met with the chair of ANREP’s Membership and Engagement Committee (Erin Trouba, Penn State U.) to learn about some of the work their committee is doing and to explore ideas for strengthening engagement. We talked about the importance of improving connections among members throughout the year, and outside of the biennial conferences. Specifically- how do we make it easier for members to tap into ANREP's network that is most relevant for their discipline or area of work? It’s not a simple task- but time to start thinking about what could be done to facilitate these connections. Do you have ideas about how ANREP could serve you better? Drop me a line- anytime.
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International Extension Exchange-Prague, Czechia
December 13-16, 2026 |
North Carolina State University and several of our International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) international partners are launching an international extension exchange designed to spark a global dialogue on the future of education and outreach. This isn't just a meeting; it's a deep dive into the diverse systems that drive extension work worldwide. You'll get a look at high-impact model programs from every participating nation, gaining actionable insights into what truly makes programming effective on a global scale. Additionally, this workshop is your chance to network and forge lasting partnerships with visionary colleagues from every corner of the globe.
This program will be available for graduate students and interested faculty internationally. The event will be held at the European Center in the Czech Republic, in the City of Prague. December 13-18, 2026, https://prague.ncsu.edu. For more information or to be added to our mailing list as new information on the training becomes available contact:
Kurt W. Smith, Assistant Professor, or Robert Bardon, Associate Dean for Extension and Professor and Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University.
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Upcoming professional development opportunities |
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| Announcing
NENPI Native Plant Webinar Series Every Tuesday in April |
The National Extension Native Plant Initiative (NENPI) will be hosting a free weekly webinar every Tuesday in April from 12:00 – 1:00 pm (Eastern) to kick off the spring season. Topics will be geared toward natural resource extension professionals and those in related fields with an interest in native plants in the landscape, seed collection and processing, and the role of seed banks for local ecotypes. The webinars are open to both ANREP members and non-members.
Webinar topics Native Plants: Teaching Tips and Tools for Adoption - Tuesday, April 7
Native Plants: Local Ecotypes and the Role of Seed Banks - Tuesday, April 14
Native Plants: Small Scale Seed Collection and Storage - Tuesday, April 21
Native Plants: Community Collaboration for Seed Conservation - Tuesday, April 28 |
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ANREP 15th Biennial Conference Update |
Confluence of Knowledge: Charting the Future of Natural Resource Extension
May 12-15, 2026 |
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Two months until we gather on the banks of the Cape Fear River in North Carolina
The conference committee, especially the North Carolina-based team, is getting very excited to welcome everyone to the 15th Biennial ANREP Conference, May 12–15, 2026, in beautiful Wilmington, North Carolina. This conference update includes an abundance of information including upcoming deadlines, reminders, and sneak peaks!
Did you know that Wilmington has the nickname “Wilmywood”? Fans of One Tree Hill will remember the riverwalk area, where our conference is based, as “Naley Beach” and the Dawson’s Creek lovers amongst us will recognize many “Capeside” locations. Movies including Iron Man 3 and Nicholas Sparks’ romantic dramas A Walk to Remember and Dear John also used Wilmington as their backdrops. Established as an important port city in the 1730s, as well as treacherous navigation where the Cape Fear river meets the Atlantic ocean, has led to a long history of the area also being known as one of the most haunted regions in the South. Airlie Gardens, established in the early 1900s, contains over a dozen themed gardens, art displays, and demonstration areas. North Carolina’s champion live oak, the Airlie Oak, is a centerpiece and is estimated to be over 500 years old! ANREP conference participants will have the opportunity to explore these Wilmington attributes through special evening events, pre-conference and field excursions, or even during short walks around our conference location.
Pending Deadlines
There is an amazing variety of pre-conference, special events, and Thursday Conference Field Excursions to register for as well, and some have already met their capacity! Please remember that if you want to participate in these events you must pre-register, and if there is a fee, pay the additional cost prior to April 24. The committee will also be closely monitoring our field excursions, and those with an additional cost that have not met their minimums by March 13 will be canceled.
Conference room blocks have been reserved at area hotels, all within walking distance to the conference venue. You must make your own reservations, and blocks will be released on a rolling basis beginning April 11.
Program Finalized
The preliminary schedule is now set and can be viewed online. Presenters are strongly encouraged to review the presenter guidelines for the oral, ignite, organized, and poster sessions.
In addition to an incredible planned program, conference attendees will have the opportunity to interact with ANREP Initiative Groups and conference sponsors at their exhibit tables and throughout the conference. Thank you to the NC State College of Natural Resources, NC State Extension, North Carolina Farm Bureau, NCX, Natural Resources Extension Education Foundation, Forestry Webinar Portal, University of Wisconsin-Madison Natural Resources Institute, NC Composting Council, and UNC-Wilmington Department of Environmental Sciences whose financial commitment is helping to fund high-quality programming, networking, and significantly enhancing the overall conference experience.
Silent Auction
As in past conferences, there will also be a Silent Auction at this year’s event, with proceeds benefiting the Natural Resources Extension Education Foundation (NREEF) and the ANREP scholarship program. Items will be collected at the registration desk on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, with bidding open by lunch on Wednesday. The Silent Auction committee is seeking items in good-new condition that could include, but not limited to, nature-themed books, artwork, jewelry, or items that are unique to your part of the country. Complete this form to donate items.
How You Can Help
Taking on a conference host is a big commitment, and a conference this size cannot occur without some additional support. Extension folks always know when to step in and assist, and we have made it easy for you!
If you are attending the conference, we ask that you take a moment and sign up for a volunteer slot! There are a variety of positions, including the new Green Team, who will be working with the NC Composting Council and local business Wilmington Compost Company to help lighten our environmental footprint at meals. We are also seeking Wayfinders, Poster Judges, Session Moderators, and more! Our volunteer spreadsheet is open for you to put your name in the role and shift of your choosing across the four days of our conference.
Next Steps
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| Southern Fire Exchange's Inaugural Pine Rockland Fire Science Workshop |
By Christian Fernandez
Tall Timbers Research Station
South Florida's pine rocklands are one the most critically endangered ecosystems in the world, severely fragmented by urbanization and threatened by decades of fire suppression. The Southern Fire Exchange's inaugural Pine Rockland Fire Science Workshop helped address some of the unique challenges natural resource managers face when planning prescribed fires in Miami-Dade County's urban pine rockland fragments. |
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| Invasive Plant Removal and Habitat Restoration at Carrollwood Village Park |
By Tia Saracino
UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
A devoted team of volunteers, students, and UF/IFAS partners is transforming a 1.1- acre woodland at Carrollwood Village Park by removing invasive plants and restoring native habitat. |
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New postings on the ANREP jobs board | |
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