Themes
In addition to proposals for professional development seminars and workshops that develop new or enhance existing skill sets, abstract submissions for presentations, science flashes, and posters are invited for the following themes.
Wood Products for the Future
From cellulosic nanotech and mass timber construction materials, to jet fuel and bicycle helmets, the products that can be made from trees is growing rapidly. This track is intended for research and case studies highlighting new, transitional, and traditional uses of forest products, as well aschallenges and opportunities in silviculture, procurement, and manufacturing. Presentations highlighting innovative uses of technology in supply chain management including blockchain for woods-to-product monitoring, reporting, and verification are encouraged.
Whiskey and Wood: Sustainability of Oak Forests
Kentucky is the birthplace of bourbon and produces 95 percent of the nation’s production. Tennessee distillers filter their aged-spirits with maple charcoal to suit their palate. Both styles require new, charred, white oak barrels that contribute 80 percent of the taste and 100 percent of the color to their whiskey. This track examines the sustainability of oak forests in the eastern United States through the process of establishing and nurturing oak reproduction and recruiting it to the overstory. Then it studies how the oak-hickory forest type provides valuable wildlife habitat, clean air and water, and tasty goods from the woods.
Wood and American Culture
What do baseball, sailing, jazz, and whiskey have in common? This track will explore the rich history and diverse contributions of wood to American culture. From the founder of America's Cup, Schooner America, and the original Louisville Slugger, Pete Browning, to the guitars that influenced jazz in the twentieth century and today's iconic bourbon whiskey barrels, wood has an everlasting influence on our lives and cultures. Case studies, demonstrations, workshops, and storytelling proposals are welcome.
Trees Are the Answer
Forests have long played a part as favored recreation areas. Trees in parks and along neighborhood streets are known to provide aesthetic enhancement to our lived-in environments. Today, an increasing body of research confirms the very real connections between trees and human health and well-being. From forest bathing, trail racing, and grief healing, to tax revenues and lower health care costs, this track will highlight new and traditional ecological knowledge about the value of trees and forests for human quality of life.