UF IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences SFFGS

Join our 14th Annual SFFGS Fall Social, Sept. 11, noon-3 p.m. in the breezeway at Newins-Ziegler Hall.

There will be SFFGS swag bags up for the taking with a drawing around 2 p.m., but prize-winners must be present.

Come enjoy the outdoor games and freshly grilled deliciousness!

Grad and undergrad students — are you certifiable?

SFFGS offers a wide range of certificates in environmental and natural resource subject areas that can help you further your career and gain the knowledge you need. UF students can also earn certificates to add value and specificity to your degree program — students from all colleges and departments are encouraged.

Graduate Certificates:

Aquaculture & Fish Health
Ecological Restoration
Environmental Education & Communication
Forest Health & Resilience
Geospatial Analysis
Natural Resource Policy & Administration
Mapping with Unmanned Aerial Systems

Learn more: https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/certificates/

Undergraduate Certificates:

Environmental Policy, Law, & Regulation
Fire Ecology & Management
Forest Health Management
Recreation Resources Management
Urban Forestry
Mapping With Small Unmanned Aerial Systems
Geomatics

Learn more: https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/certificates/

Congratulations go out to SFFGS Assistant Professor of Human Dimension of Natural Resources Mysha Clarke, Ph.D., who was honored with the ISA Early-Career Scientist Award which recognizes outstanding contributions in urban forestry and arboriculture.

This competitive award is presented by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to individuals who have demonstrated significant achievements early in their career.

Dr. Clarke attended the ISA conference in Detroit last week to present her research and accepted this award on August 12.

Learn more about the award:https://www.isa-arbor.com/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/Awards/Distinction-Awards-Early-Career-Scientist.pdf

Learn more about Dr. Clarke: https://ffgs.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/clarke-mysha/

A chapter closes, and a new one begins.

SFFGS Alumnus Update: From Diego Rocha, Ph.D., August 2026

"A couple of days ago, I officially graduated from the University of Florida with my Ph.D. in Forest Resources and Conservation. There were so many challenges, plans that did not work out, and moments when I thought I couldn't keep going. There were also incredible opportunities, people who believed in me, and experiences that shaped the scientist and person I am today. Looking back, I feel like every single one of those experiences brought me to where I am now.

"Education has transformed my life in ways I could not have imagined when I first started studying forestry as a 16-year-old in Brazil. I never thought I would be where I am today, and I am incredibly proud of how far this journey has taken me and grateful to everyone who has been part of it.

"I begin the next chapter of my career as an Assistant Professor of Forest Resource Management at Stephen F. Austin State University. At SFA, I will have the opportunity to build my own research program, teach and mentor the next generation of forestry professionals, and continue exploring questions about forest health, management, and how forests respond to environmental change.

"There is a lot to look forward to, and even more to learn. For now, I am grateful for everything that brought me here and excited to see where this next chapter takes me."

Before the new semester begins, here's some words from UF Plant Pathology graduate student Tori Richardson who just earned her MS:

"I’m overjoyed to share that I earned my Master of Science degree in Forest Resources & Conservation!

"This journey taught me so much. Not only do I have a deeper understanding of molecular tools, ecological research methodologies, and scientific writing, but I also learned what qualities make for a great scientist and how to ask important questions about the natural world.

"This degree also taught me how to persevere when experiments failed or coursework challenged me.

"I couldn’t have done it without the guidance of my mentor, Dr. Jiri Hulcr, or the support of my peers in the UF Forest Entomology Lab and Truffle Smith Lab, as well as encouragement from friends and family.

"There were also many scientific collaborators not mentioned here who served on my committee and contributed to my research, and I thank you all.

"I’m eager for the publications to come from our work. I’m also excited to employ my newfound skills as I begin a new chapter at UF Plant Pathology as a Ph.D. student this fall. Go Gators!“

🐊

August 14, 2026 Florida Land Steward Update: Two Regional Conservation Partnership Programs to Provide Opportunities for Financial Assistance and Conservation Easements to North Florida Landowners, UF Seeking Newly Planted Loblolly Pine Sites Impacted by Drought, Apply for Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program, Apply for Conservation Florida's Private Lands Stewardship Program, Participate in a Florida Rancher Survey, Report Your Wild Turkey Sightings this Summer, Hurricane Season is Here - Are You Ready?, New Florida Land Steward Program Video Released, Forest Health Module released in Forest Landowner Academy, and more.
UF IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences SFFGS Florida Forest Service Alachua Conservation Trust Florida Forestry Association MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife American Tree Farm System USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service National Woodland Owners Association

Florida Land Steward Update, August 14, 2026 - School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA LANDOWNERS THROUGH THE SURFACE TO SPRINGS AND FOREST TO GULF REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS (RCPPs) Apply by September 30, 2026 North Florida landowners interested habitat management and conservation can apply for conservation easem...

Congrats to Mainstreet Daily News reporters Lillian Hamman and Seth Johnson who chose The Natural Area Teaching Lab (NATL) as the place to get engaged!

Mainstreet's Johnson, Hamman to wed Reporters began working together in 2024.

We hope everyone had a "fintastic" first day of school! Summer break may be over, but we let the outdoor fun continue at Family Fishing Days.

Please join us this Saturday, August 15th, for our annual “Back-to-School Bonanza" at UF/IFAS Millhopper (7922 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, Florida, 32653) from 8 a.m. to Noon.

In addition to our usual fishing activities, we will be giving free school supply goodie bags to the first 100 kids!

The ponds are home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, bluegill, and more! All angling is catch-and-release only. No license or fee is required. You may use our loaner fishing poles, tackle, and bait during the event, or you may bring your own fishing equipment. Dip nets are also available to catch small creatures from the invertebrate ponds.