The Society of American Foresters has been impressed by the work within the College of Natural Rertment of Forest Rezation’s annual awards.
John Munsell, professor and extension specialist, will receive the Carl Alwin Schenck Award, one of SAF’s highest honors for excellence in forestry education. Named for the founder of the first forestry school in the United States, the award recognizes exemplary dedication to teaching, outstanding service to professional education, and innovative approaches that advance forestry instruction
Since arriving at Virginia Tech in 2007, Munsell has demonstrated exceptional devotion to forestry instruction through classroom teaching and extension outreach leading more than 100 extension programs and cultivating long-term learning communities such as the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition. His research has brought nearly $16 million in grant funding to build national forestry education infrastructure, directing silviculture training through the National Advanced Silviculture Program, and mentoring students and practitioners.
Professor John Seiler will receive the Barrington Moore Memorial Award in Biological Science, which recognizes outstanding contributions to biological science research that advances forestry. The award honors researchers whose work demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, productivity, and impact at both national and international levels
Seiler, who retired in June, worked for more than 40 years as an educator and researcher at Virginia Tech. His sustained research in forest ecophysiology and tree productivity was published in more than 130 peer-reviewed journals. His broad impact extends internationally through pioneering, continental-scale educational technologies highlighted by his widely used dendrology digital tools while mentoring hundreds of forestry scientists
Jennifer Gagnon, coordinator of the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program, will receive the SAF Technology Transfer Award, which recognizes leaders who effectively translate scientific knowledge into practical information that benefits forestry professionals, landowners, and communities
Since joining Virginia Tech in 2005, Gagnon has worked with hundreds of forest landowners to provide information about best practices, water conservation, forest health, and management. Her efforts have served landowners, as well as Virginians who enjoy passive benefits of healthy forests such as clean waterways and natural beauty of the area. Gagnon was nominated by Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent Adam Downing, who described her as “Virginia’s favorite forester.”
“Her work has changed many lives and touched countless wooded acres across the state,” Downing said. “Jennifer Gagnon’s tireless efforts to bring the best of forestry to those who own or manage Virginia’s 16 million forested acres with joyful and practical technology transfer have left an indelible mark on our forests, for the better.”
Professor Carolyn Copenheaver was named an SAF Fellow, a prestigious award that recognizes an SAF member for long-standing service to forestry at the local, state, and national levels
Gagnon was her nominator
“Carolyn and I served as co-faculty advisors for the Virginia Tech student chapter of the Society of American Foresters for many years,” Gagnon said. “Over that time, I observed her dedication to developing student leaders and creating a strong, active, and engaging student organization.”
The awards will be presented during the SAF National Convention, held Oct. 6-9, in Tacoma, Washington
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