By Blake Jackson
Penn State Extension will host the 2026 Central Hardwoods Forest Conference from March 3-6, 2026, at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, Pennsylvania. The event will highlight the latest research and innovations in forest science specific to the Central Hardwoods region.
The call for presentation abstracts is now open to forest managers, researchers, and students working within these ecosystems. Submissions are being accepted for oral presentations, flash talks, and poster presentations. Oral sessions will last 20 minutes, followed by 5 minutes for questions and 5 minutes for transition.
Flash talks will be 6 minutes long, with 2 minutes each for questions and transition. A student poster competition will also be held, with $100 awards for top entries. All presentations must be given in person, and selected presenters will receive detailed guidelines upon acceptance.
Abstracts must be submitted online by December 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Email submissions will not be accepted, and incomplete proposals will be disqualified. Acceptance notifications will be sent by January 15, 2026.
Session themes include topics such as forest health, oak and hickory ecosystems, silviculture for wildlife, invasive species, regeneration challenges, and First Nations forest practices.
Presenters must register for the conference by February 16, 2026, and submit their final presentation files by March 2, 2026. Participants are encouraged to bring a backup copy on a flash drive.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Pennsylvania, General