Spring brings a sense of celebration, new adventures, and a shared hope for the future. It’s a natural time to reflect and offer gratitude to everyone who has supported our journeys. Over the past year, our department has come together to support one another and sharpen our shared vision for the future. Building on core strengths, we are moving forward with a clear focus on growth, partnership, and elevating the impact of our work. We have an exciting future ahead!
This issue of Forest Scene dives into the high-impact research and collaborative spirit driving our department. We first explore the sacred relationship between the Anishinaabe and Manoomin (wild rice) through Professor Mae Davenport’s collaborative project, which bridges traditional wisdom and Western science in a new research guidebook ["Healing relationships: a new path for watching over Manoomin"].
Next you’ll hear from Professor Ingrid Schneider about her work with robots and automated systems, their use in monitoring water quality and invasive species, and their acceptance by land managers and visitors of public lands ["Robots in outdoor recreation: Q&A with Ingrid Schneider"].
We honor Professor Kristen Nelson for her distinguished career as a scientist and educator, and her service as Interim Department Head. We are especially grateful for her mentorship of students and colleagues and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement ["The next adventure: Kristen Nelson reflects on a career of global impact"].
Two stories feature climate and nature, with PhD candidate Daniel Xie’s AI-driven research into forest and aquatic carbon storage ["Field questions with Daniel Xie"], followed by a look at Associate Professor Danielle Ignace’s contributions to the Nature Record, a project fostering a collective understanding of our changing environment ["Reflecting on the Nature Record with Danielle Ignace"].
Urban forestry takes center stage as we celebrate Assistant Professor Alicia Coleman, recipient of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Borealis Award for Exemplary Faculty ["Alicia Coleman wins Borealis Award"]. Recognized for her mentorship and leadership in workforce development, Dr. Coleman also played a key role in this year’s Arbor Day celebration at the Bell Museum’s Learning Landscape ["UMN-TC Arbor Day in the Learning Landscape"].
Finally, we extend our warmest congratulations to our graduating students; we look forward with pride to the meaningful contributions they will make to the future of our natural world.
Wishing everyone a summer filled with the magic of the outdoors!
