2025 WALL OF HONOR

The Society of American Foresters recognizes excellence and outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations in the field of forestry and natural resources.

Each year, through its National, Presidential Field Forester, and Fellow awards, SAF honors scientists, researchers, educators, innovators, leaders, communicators, field foresters, and others that have made significant impact on forestry in the United States and internationally. We also recognize our Student Diversity Scholars and Gregory Award winners.

SAF is pleased to recognize our 2025 award winners. 
 
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

National Awards

Award in Forest Science - Mark Ducey, PhD

Barrington Moore Memorial Award in Biological Science - Dr. Brian Palik

Carl Alwin Schenck Award - Dr. Benjamin Knapp

Cultural and Community Engagement Award - Lynn Levine

Employer Leadership Award - Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests
Gifford Pinchot Medal - Greg Hay, CF

John A. Beale Memorial Award - Mike Smalligan

Outstanding Forestry Journalism Award - Meghan McCarthy McPhaul

Outstanding Local Unit Achievement Award - Skyline Chapter 

Student Leadership Award - Caitlynn Castleberry 

Technology Transfer Award - Dr. Mathew Russell

W. D. Hagenstein Communicator Award - Ethan Tapper

Young Forester Leadership Award - Jennifer Shakun, CF

Award in Forest Science
Dr. Mark Ducey
Recognizes distinguished individual research in any branch of quantitative, managerial, or social sciences that has resulted in substantial advances in forestry.

The Award in Forest Science celebrates significant advances in forestry. Dr. Mark Ducey certainly embodies this award as one of the most cited biometricians and quantitative silviculturists in the country. He is a professor of Forest Biometrics and Management at the University of New Hampshire, where he revolutionized the mapping of downed woody debris, a significant challenge in the northeast.

Ducey has also made significant use of emerging remote sensing technologies to map regrowth in the Amazon: techniques which have widespread applications in tropical regions. Yet, Ducey does not just stick to remote sensing. It is a dedication to a rigorous collection of both remote and field data that makes his work detailed, varied, and accurate.

Barrington Moore Memorial Award in Biological Science
Dr. Brian Palik
The Barrington Moore Memorial Award in Biological Science recognizes outstanding achievement in biological research leading to the advancement of forestry.

As one of only 100 Senior Scientists with the USDA Forest Service, Dr. Palik designs experiments to tackle issues like changing global temperatures and invasive species with on-the-ground applications in mind, while still providing scientific insights into the effects of management on biodiversity and soil.

As an ecologist, Palik takes a holistic approach to experimentation with research questions aimed at whole ecosystems. This approach has made Palik’s work the cornerstone of cutting-edge programs like the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change Network and allowed his principles to be applied across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America.

Carl Alwin Schenck Award
Dr. Benjamin Knapp
The Carl Alwin Schenck Award recognizes devotion and demonstrated outstanding performance in the field of forestry education.

Professor Ben Knapp of the University of Missouri’s (UM) School of Natural Resources exemplifies the Carl Alwin Schenck Award’s dedication to forestry education through the development of critical thinking and attention to students’ individual needs. He is committed to research and practical applications in the field.

While he certainly does this in the classroom, Knapp also developed a study abroad program in Costa Rica to provide forestry students with an immersive experience in an entirely new ecosystem with unique needs. Knapp also applied this dedication to UM itself, assisting with SAF accreditation renewal and ensuring that students understand what that means for the quality of their education.

Diversity Leadership Award
Lynn Levine

Lynn Levine began her career in forestry in 1979 and has been dedicated to a more inclusive profession ever since. Originally from Brooklyn, Levine has spent her career as a consulting forester and author in Vermont, where she has learned to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.

In 2019, Levine gathered a few dozen women foresters together to found the Women Foresters Collaborative (WFC). The WFC holds gatherings and seminars to share women’s experiences in forestry, foster inclusivity, and connect young foresters with mentors.

While her work towards gender equality in the profession is exceptional, it should not overshadow the breadth of Levine’s efforts. She has also worked to create accessible trails, restore Abenaki place names, and improve urban access to nature.

Employer Leadership Award
Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests
The Employer Leadership Award recognizes an employer that demonstrates leadership through consistent support of employee participation in SAF and broad engagement in the profession.

Founded in 1901, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society) was created to protect the White Mountains from widespread clear cutting. Since then, the Forest Society has worked on two forest plans, established the Tree Farm Program, assisted with the modernization of state forestry laws, and created the Land and Community Heritage Program. These efforts support the full expression of New Hampshire’s forests from wood products to conservation.

All of the Forest Society’s current working foresters are SAF members, and the Forest Society has long worked closely with New England SAF and the Granite State Division. It serves as a meeting space for both and helps organize Granite State annual meetings. The Forest Society also collaborated with SAF in 2023 when the Governor of New Hampshire proposed eliminating forester licensing. Thanks to their efforts, licensing was maintained in the state.

Gifford Pinchot Medal
Greg Hay, CF

Greg Hay began his 48-year career working in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Now retired, Hay comes full circle by receiving SAF’s Gifford Pinchot Medal. This award celebrates those who are dedicated to the administration, practice, and professional development of forestry. Hay has done all this and more during his career: starting in reforestation and silviculture, then shifting to management and sales as his career progressed.

Hay’s varied experience in both public and private forestry enables him to speak to a wide range of audiences. He has traveled across the country sharing his expertise through university, public, and professional education. His approach has influenced students, landowners, legislators, and the public on the importance of forest stewardship.

John A. Beale Memorial Award
Mike Smalligan
The John A. Beale Memorial Award recognizes outstanding efforts over a sustained period of time by an SAF member in the promotion of forestry through voluntary service to the Society.

Mike Smalligan has been an SAF member since 2006. While always active, he began taking on leadership roles with the Lower Peninsula Chapter in 2017. Then, in 2019, Smalligan took on the role of program chair for Michigan SAF. He has worked hard to improve annual meetings to increase attendance and improve revenue.

Smalligan takes his volunteerism seriously, also working on the Michigan Tree Farm Committee and developing partnerships with regional organizations like the Michigan White Oak Initiative to increase member value and engagement.

Student Leadership Award
Caitlyn Castleberry
The Student Leadership Award recognizes individual student achievement and leadership at the local, regional, or national level.

Despite just graduating with her bachelor's in forestry this spring, Caitlyn Castleberry has had an impressive career. She began her journey as an active member of the Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) student chapter, serving as both secretary and treasurer. Administrative roles didn’t prevent her from engaging in member recruitment, and Castleberry was the 2024-25 Member-Get-A-Member student winner.

She also represents student members on a national level, organizing her chapter's Quizbowl team and travel to the SAF National Convention, running the Students of SAF Instagram account, and serving on the SAF Student Executive Committee as the District 11 representative, then chair. Castleberry has attended both SAF Rising Professionals Conferences, including speaking on a panel in 2025. She also acted as student representative to the 2024 Mature and Old Growth Summit in Washington, DC.

Castleberry’s networking has taken her outside of SAF as well. In 2023, she represented the SFASU student chapter and Texas Forestry Association at Forestry Day at the Capitol in Austin, TX. Then, in 2024, she attended the Association of Consulting Foresters Gulf Regional Conference in Little Rock, AR.

Castleberry has just begun her master’s at Yale School of the Environment, with a focus on forest policy development.

W. D. Hagenstein Communicator Award
Ethan Tapper
The Hagenstein Communicator Award recognizes an SAF member who leads innovative and exemplary communications initiatives and programs that increase the general public’s understanding of forestry and natural resources.

If you read the eForester every week, you have probably seen Ethan Tapper's name. He is a frequent contributor to local Vermont newspapers on a variety of forestry topics. He also writes longer pieces for local magazines such as Northern Woodlands. Tapper’s writing career recently culminated in the publication of How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World. Here he brings natural resource management to life, highlighting changes and challenges for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Not afraid of speaking engagements, Tapper also hosts field tours for the SAF Green Mountain Division and has spoken at local events for organizations like the Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative, Forest Guild, and New England SAF. Tapper also gives talks for the public, bringing in forest lovers from the LGBTQIA community and local food cooperatives. He also shares forestry with related hobbyists like mountain bikers and cross-country skiers.

Tapper is active on social media, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. He has amassed over 70,000 total followers under the handle @HowToLoveAForest.

Young Forester Leadership Award
Jennifer Shakun, CF
The Young Forester Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership by a young forestry professional in the development and promotion of an individual program or project, or for a sustained leadership role benefiting the practice of forestry and SAF.

Jennifer Shakun joined SAF in 2009 as a student member at Duke University, where she soon became co-chair. She maintained that membership through two master’s degrees, one in forestry and the other in environmental management. Over the years, she has presented at SAF National Conventions four times and is active in New England SAF’s annual meeting committees.

Shakun began her career in full at Innovative Natural Resource Solutions, LLC, managing the Climate Smart Land Network, where she stood out not just as a problem solver, but as someone who could communicate solutions to a wide range of audiences. She has since taken those skills to the New England Forestry Foundation’s climate initiatives, where she focuses on sustainable wood products as a climate solution. In heavily forested New England states, this means everything from local firewood producers to large architectural firms. An ever-growing range of products and applications requires constant learning, and Shakun has proven herself up for the task.

Technology Transfer Award
Dr. Matthew Russell
The Technology Transfer Award recognizes outstanding performance in the areas of technology transfer, implementation, and extension.

Data scientist Matthew Russell is dedicated to accuracy in his work and has created an impressive body of work to ensure others can do the same. Russell operates a blog on his company’s website, which offers training, workshops, and free tutorials. He has published two books, Forest Carbon by the Numbers: Understanding the Hottest Forest Product of the 2020s, and Statistics in Natural Resources: Applications. During his career in academia, Russell authored 88 peer-reviewed publications. He has also developed educational programs, both as an extension specialist and as an independent consultant.

Russell brings this same energy to SAF. He first served as chair of the Inventory and Biometrics community of interest before joining the Forest Science & Technology board, which he chaired in 2022. Understanding the importance of in-person communication, Russell has twice participated in the Committee on National Convention Programs and taught the recurring “Data Science for Forestry Applications” workshop at SAF National Conventions. Locally, he has presented at New England SAF meetings and is current editor of the NESAF quarterly newsletter.

 

Outstanding Forestry Journalism
Meghan McCarthy McPhaul

 

In 2020, Meghan McCarthy McPhaul joined the editorial team at the Center for Northern Woodlands Education. First as assistant editor and now as editor, she brings excellence to the organization’s Northern Woodlands magazine. The magazine celebrates forests of the northeast through a carefully curated selection of articles on research, management, products, educational initiatives, and the people who work and live in this forested region.

As editor, McCarthy McPhaul continues to contribute her writing to the magazine. The Community Voices series highlights individuals with connections to New England forests. Through her works, readers discover how these individuals contribute to forest ecosystems and maintain them for the future.

Outstanding Local Unit Achievement Award
Skyline Chapter

Located in central Virginia, the Skyline Chapter brings together forestry professionals from the public, private, and non-governmental sectors. Leaders from these sectors are engaged members, with a dedication to SAF and the profession that has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Skyline Chapter member David Powell was named Presidential Field Forester for District 8. Then, in 2024, the Virginia Department of Forestry won the SAF Employer Leadership Award.

SAF members are busy in Virginia, and Skyline Chapter members step up. They assist with planning and hosting the Virginia Division’s annual meeting, and Appalachian SAF's winter meeting.

Of course, chapter volunteers don’t just benefit SAF. They also provide scholarships to Camp Woods & Wildlife, an immersive forestry experience for teenagers which has been operating for more than 70 years; run the "Teaching Trees" teacher training program to bring forestry in local classrooms; and cut, split, and deliver firewood to the community.

 

Gregory Award Winner

Camilo Enrique Martínez
The Gregory Award provides economic assistance to outstanding students or professionals from outside of the United States and Canada to attend the SAF National Convention.

Martínez recently defended his thesis for a Master of Science in Forests and Environmental Conservation from Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Martínez has a passion for sharing his knowledge and skills in the forestry sector with others. He’s demonstrated leadership in his mentoring of an undergraduate student, leading a research project identifying and modeling deforestation in an Andean region of Colombia.

Class of 2025 Fellows

The rank of Fellow is bestowed on a member by their peers for outstanding contributions and service to SAF and the profession.

Connie Harrington, PhD, District 1
Ed Morgan, District 1
Mitch Michaud, CF, District 1
Julie Woodward, District 2
Ruth Norman, CF, District 3
Andrew Sanchez Meador, PhD, District 4
David New, District 4
Heather Dannahower, District 4
Craig Vollmer, CF, District 6
Diana Frederick, District 6
Jessica Leahy, PhD, District 6
Mathew Russell. PhD, District 6
Nan Pond, PhD, District 6
Leslie Hunter, CF, District 8
James Downs, District 9
Kimberly Slezak, CF, District 9
Stephanie Downs, District 19

2025 Presidential Field Foresters

The Presidential Field Forester Award recognizes foresters that have dedicated their professional careers to the application of forestry on the ground using sound, scientific methods and adaptive management strategies. To hear more from the Presidential Field Foresters, click on the hyperlinked names below to watch a short video.

Sheila Spores, District 1
Randy Hereford, CF, District 2
Stephen Hohman, District 3
Mark Nabel, District 4
John Lampereur, District 5
Patrick Sadler, District 6
Micheal McEntire, District 7
Dan Scheffing, CF, District 8
Jeremy Scherf, District 9
Jack Fillingham, District 10
Daniel Bollich, District 11