forestry and environmental resources

Dec 3, 2025

A Gift That Keeps On Giving

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and NC State recently signed an agreement to license new varieties of two popular Christmas tree species — which have been bred to grow faster and shed fewer needles — to keep this vital industry thriving in our state well into the future. 

Jul 18, 2025

Crowdsourcing New Range Data for North American Mammals

To track how animals respond to global change, scientists need timely estimates of species distributions. At NC State University, researchers are exploring the shifting ranges of North American mammals using crowd-sourced biodiversity databases — sharing platforms that harness human curiosity and the desire to better understand our planet’s myriad plant and animal species. 

Jan 16, 2024

Climate Change May Make Wildfires Larger, More Common in Southern Appalachian Region

Extreme and frequent droughts will mean more forest burned by wildfire in the southern Appalachians. 

Dec 13, 2023

Study Overturns Conventional Wisdom About Wild Turkey Nesting Survival

The findings shed new light on how climate change may affect wild turkey populations. 

Dec 1, 2023

3 Benefits of Genetically Improved Christmas Trees

NC State researchers are working to develop “elite” Fraser fir trees that look better, grow faster and retain their needles longer. 

Sep 18, 2023

Canopy Gaps Help Eastern Hemlock Outlast Invasive Insect

Gaps in the forest canopy help eastern hemlocks withstand infestation by the woolly adelgid. 

Aug 14, 2023

Climate Change Is Increasing Wildfire Risks for Forests. What Can We Do About It?

An NC State researcher's work not only offers a glimpse at what wildfire risks might look like under climate change, but also offers insight into the costs and benefits of solutions for mitigating those risks. 

Aug 14, 2023

For Two Backyard Bird Species, More Light Pollution Is Linked to Lower Survival

New findings led by NC State researchers could be important to whether backyard birds will thrive as urbanization expands. 

Aug 1, 2023

Researchers Tracking New Invasive Insect

NC State researchers are tracking a new invasive insect: the elm zigzag sawfly. 

Jul 13, 2023

Timing of Turkey Nesting May Not Shift With Changing Climate

A new study led by NC State researchers finds eastern wild turkeys in the South are unlikely to make meaningful changes in the timing of when they begin nesting, even under climate change. 

Jul 13, 2023

Secrets of Wild Turkey Nesting Revealed

The Abstract spoke to an NC State wildlife expert to learn some of the basics of wild turkey nesting. 

Jul 10, 2023

Study Reveals How a Tall Spruce Develops Defense Against Hungry Weevils

Findings from a new study could help researchers breed genetically improved Sitka spruce trees resistant to a nibbling insect. 

Jun 27, 2023

New Tool Maps South Florida Fire Risk Pixel by Pixel

NC State researchers designed a computer model, "FireHydro," to allow fire managers to map fire risk in South Florida on a day-to-day basis. 

Jun 8, 2023

During ‘Anthropause,’ Animals Moved More Freely

A new study suggests animals were able to move more freely during COVID-19 lockdowns. 

May 30, 2023

How Linked Data, Artificial Intelligence Could Help Animals

An NC State researcher describes the possibilities for using the "the internet of animals" to help with animal conservation and research.