MSU Department of Forestry

As we honor Juneteenth today, we reflect on the significance of this day, celebrate freedom, and recognize the lasting contributions of Black communities not only within our MSU community, but also across the field of forestry and the work of conserving and managing our forests and natural resources.

Healthy forests thrive on diversity, and so do communities. Happy 🌲🏳️‍🌈

Graduate student Katie Frey studied French and communications with an MA in strategic communications, but the hybrid online forestry program allows her to pursue her true passion: forests, all while working full-time.

So far, she has spent nine days in Northern Michigan/Eastern U.P. learning foundational forestry skills and connecting with her classmates, in addition to a week at Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the Gary E. Everhardt Park Break Program, an experiential program for grad students focused on park management, conservation, and outdoor leadership.

Read more: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/forestry-graduate-student-spotlight-katie-frey

Congratulations to our Spring 2026 Forestry graduates! Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and we can’t wait to see where your journeys take you next. 💚🌲

Calder Burton, Kayla Cameron, Nicole Cohoon, Spirit Hauk, Timothy Hooten, Tyler Hull, Dustin Lambries, Abigail Mattson, Maudie McLaughlin, Levi Miller, Dyllan Nelson, Owen Payne, Mark Peters, Cooper Randall, Jacob Reinking, Dylan Roberts, Maurice Seymour, Joel Steinhauer, and Aiden Tinkham.

Congratulations to our Forestry students!

We are incredibly proud of Kayla Cameron, who received the Michigan State University Board of Trustees’ Award for earning a perfect 4.0, as well as Honor students Dustin Lambries and Timothy Hooten.

It’s 🌲 Here’s to trees, and the arborists and foresters who care for them!

Graduate student John Loomis has worked in sustainability research in Brazil for 10 years, but the hybrid online forestry program allows him to develop technical skills for his work in the Amazon while continuing to live and work in Brazil.

John plans to apply these skills to strengthen forest conservation initiatives, support sustainable land-use and cattle systems, and launch a small business in Brazil to translate research into practical solutions that benefit local communities, producers, and ecosystems. Read more: https://buff.ly/m0Ldd6w

is a reminder of why matters. Healthy forests support healthy communities, and that work requires informed, dedicated professionals, which is why we’re proud to help educate the next generation of forestry leaders. 🌲💚

Graduate student Autumn Dietrich has always loved the outdoors and discovered a passion for agroforestry during an internship in Belize. The hybrid online program lets her keep building her skills while balancing other commitments.

So far, she’s learned a lot from her courses, and the program’s flexibility has allowed her to connect with professors and instructors, discover the MSU Forest Carbon and Climate Program, and work on projects she’s excited about. Read more: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/forestry-graduate-student-spotlight-autumn-dietrich