Co-hosted by UT School of Natural Resources, Event to Promote Sustainably Managing Oak Forests
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – More than 200 people will travel to Knoxville from across the U.S. and 11 countries for the International Oak Symposium scheduled for October 7 – 10. The University of Tennessee School of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service are co-hosting the event at the Knoxville Hilton. Current issues and research on the management and ecology of oak species and forests — from pervasive insect pests to uses as whiskey barrels and other industrial applications — are on the agenda for discussion.
“Oaks are one of the key species for a wide variety of forest products, wildlife habitat and other ecosystem services in Tennessee and around the world,” says Don Hodges, School of Natural Resources director. “We hope this symposium encourages collaboration between managers and researchers to restore and sustain these vital oak ecosystems.”
The symposium will feature three days of invited speakers, discussion panels, socials, and presentations from an open submission process. Participants can also pick between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Catoosa Wildlife Management Area near Crossville or the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center in Oak Ridge for a field tour day.
Student and career development are a primary goal of the event. The symposium will offer a ‘speed networking’ event and social mixer for students and early career professionals as well as a mentor program for 24 attendees. Continuing Education Credits will be provided for members of the Society of American Foresters, The Wildlife Society, and the International Society of Arboriculture.
The symposium will also feature local artists. Former Knoxville Poet Laureate and long-time local singer-songwriter R.B. Morris will provide poetry and music during the opening session. Other local acts include Jeff Barbra and Sarah Pirkle and Jay Clark. The Bearded, a traditional bluegrass band, will also perform at an evening reception and social. The full agenda can be found on the symposium webpage.
The UT School of Natural Resources is part of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT AgResearch and UT Extension at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The curricula focus on a mastery learning approach, emphasizing practical, hands-on experiences. The School’s faculty, staff and students conduct research and extension that advances the science and sustainable management of our natural resources. For more information, visit snr.tennessee.edu.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.