The Forest Scene biannual newsletter features stories, research briefs, and updates from the Department of Forest Resources.
In the Spring 2026 issue, stories highlight a research collaboration on the sacred relationship between the Anishinaabe and Manoomin (wild rice), the growing use of robots in natural resource research and management, Kristen's Nelson's career and retirement, AI-driven graduate research on forest and aquatic carbon storage, and the Nature Record, a first-of-its-kind report that's currently open for peer review. Plus, learn about Alicia Coleman's Borealis Award and the UMN Arbor Day celebration she organized at the Bell Museum this spring.
Read the stories online by clicking on their links in the table of contents.
Table of Contents
Department Message from Linda Nagel
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! Read more...
Healing relationships: a new path for watching over Manoomin
A new guidebook shares teachings from Manoomin knowledge holders and is intended for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous harvesters, stewards, and relatives who wish to learn from one another about the gifts Manoomin shares. It is the culmination of a broader research project and a two-year interview study guided by tribal and intertribal agencies dedicated to protecting and restoring Manoomin (the Ojibwemowin word for Psiη in Dakota), nibi (water), and all their relatives.
Robots in outdoor recreation: Q&A with Ingrid Schneider
Professor Ingrid Schneider’s research investigates the intersection of emerging technology and public acceptance in natural resource management. Focused on improving monitoring efficiency and visitor experiences, her research involves some unique companions: LoCO, an autonomous underwater vehicle, and Unitree Go1, a quadruped companion robot. Here, Schneider speaks with us about her work.
The next adventure: Kristen Nelson reflects on a career of global impact
Learn about the career of Professor Emerita Kristen Nelson, who retired this spring – though "retiring" feels like a loose term for a woman who has spent her career building soil labs in Nicaragua and mentoring scientists across the globe.
Field Questions with Daniel Xie
Natural Resources Science and Management (NRSM) PhD candidate Daniel Xie is exploring new approaches to modeling carbon in forests and aquatic ecosystems. Along with his advisor, he is reimagining current terrestrial carbon modeling methods while training an AI system to accurately identify aquatic carbon storage. Xie took a moment to describe his research questions, their role in spatial modeling, and future opportunities for carbon accounting methods.
Alicia Coleman wins Borealis Award
Assistant Professor Alicia Coleman won this year's Borealis Award for Exemplary Faculty (under 5 years of service)! In just three short years, Alicia has made herself a core part of the department, CFANS, and the Twin Cities urban forestry community.
Reflecting on the Nature Record with Danielle Ignace
Associate Professor Danielle Ignace is one of a select group of scientists behind a first-of-its-kind assessment of the health of nature across the U.S. The report, now named the Nature Record, is open for public comment and peer review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
UMN-TC Arbor Day in the Learning Landscape
The annual University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMN-TC) Arbor Day event was hosted at the Bell Museum’s Learning Landscape this year, bringing together Forest Resources, Horticultural Sciences, and UMN-TC Landcare for impactful tree planting and service learning.