Why are trees important?” asked little Johnny of his teacher one day. “Well, let’s see,” replied his teacher, “trees provide us with clean water, air, shade and things like pencils and paper.” Little Johnny nodded his head, understanding the words, but yet, not quite understanding the concept. If only his teacher had participated in a Project Learning Tree workshop, not only could she tell little Johnny the importance of trees, but she could also show little Johnny with fun,

The Forest Resources Association is putting on a webinar "Heat-Related Illnesses & How to Stay Safe" at 1 p.m. (2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time). Lead discussion on the webinar will be by Tracie Gibbs with Rayonier. That discussion will include OSHA regulations for heat exposure and animal threats such as snakes, ticks and others. This webinar provides information vital to keeping folks safe, including you, employees and loved ones. Click here to register for the webinar

Keeping Forests, an effort through a partnership with several organizations, government and non-profit groups, and associations is looking for an executive director. To find out more about Keeping Forest, go to keepingforests.org. You also can learn about partners and the organization's efforts to achieve its goal of keeping forests as forests. Click here to find out more

Some people put forth challenges to stretch themselves and their abilities as far as they think they can ... and then push harder. Derek Kennedy is an insurance agent from Monroe who keeps fit — he is a former triathlete — and displays similar energy when talking about an achievement few people get the opportunity to do. What’s the challenge he took on? Kennedy used trees from his own forestland to build a house. Not so much impressed? Did I mention he and his son Derek C. Ke

A new champion tree added to this year’s list might be considered somewhat peculiar in that a loose-fitted term for it is the Christmas berry, a cheery reference to a joyful season. The scientific name, however, includes a derivative of the not-so-pleasant word vomit. So, let’s just focus on Christmas when referring to the yaupon, one of seven new champion trees . The new champion yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is located at the home of Kent and Sonie Milton in the Poland community

The Louisiana Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is looking for a land steward to direct conservation programs on TNC preserves. Here are the details: TNC-Louisiana seeks a broadly trained natural resource professional with expertise in land management and conservation methods to serve as Land Steward. The Land Steward will be primarily responsible for managing and directing conservation programs on TNC preserves in Louisiana west of the Mississippi River. The Land Steward wil