By Blake Jackson
Penn State Extension will host the 2026 Central Hardwoods Forest Conference from March 9-12, 2026, at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, Pennsylvania.
This event will highlight the latest research and advancements in silviculture, forestry, and related fields across the Central Hardwoods region.
Attendees will explore case studies, engage in networking opportunities with professionals and researchers, and participate in both technical and hands-on learning experiences.
A pre-conference tour on March 9 will visit the Alan Seeger Natural Area, featuring discussions on white pine needle damage and management strategies for the hemlock woolly adelgid.
Following the conference, a one-day post-conference program on March 13 will include a privately owned forest tour and the annual Pennsylvania Forest Health Briefing, covering common challenges in Pennsylvania’s hardwood forests.
Students and professionals are invited to present research through posters and talks. A student poster competition will award cash prizes, though poster submissions are open to all. Proposals for research talks and posters will be accepted starting October 1, 2025, and registration will open November 1, 2025. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Session topics will include:
- Adapting to a changing world
- Oak and hickory management
- Artificial regeneration
- Forest health
- First Nations forestry practices
- Hardwood and softwood silviculture
- Invasive species management
- Regeneration solutions
- Wildlife-focused silviculture
- Social science in forest management
Draft Schedule Highlights
- March 10 - Forest Health Tour, mixer, and evening networking.
- March 11 - Campus tour, plenary talks on evolving challenges and innovative solutions, multiple technical sessions, panel discussions, flash talks, and a poster session.
- March 12 - Panels on climate adaptation and invasive species, technical sessions, focused discussions on regeneration challenges, and closing remarks.
- March 13 - Post-conference tour examining artificial regeneration needs, followed by the Pennsylvania Forest Health Briefing with presentations and lunch.
For questions, attendees can contact Professor Calvin Norman at cmn5525@psu.edu. The theme for 2026, “Smart Solutions for Tough Problems,” reflects the conference’s goal of addressing complex forestry challenges with innovative, research-based strategies.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, General