2026 Workshop Speakers

Presentation Titles:

• Carbon Markets 101

• How Forests Store Carbon 

• Carbon Decision Making Strategies 

• Adult Education Strategies- How to teach about Forest Carbon

Presentation Overviews: 

These presentations will explore multiple topics including providing an overview of what the carbon market is and who they key players are, explaining where carbon pools are found in a forest and explaining what factors landowners should consider before signing a carbon contract. 

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Presentation Title: 

• Atmospheric Sciences and Managing for Resilient Forests in the Face of Extreme Weather

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Presentation Overview: Understand how extreme weather impacts forests and how management strategies can build forest resilience based on lessons learned from climate modeling.

Email: srw5841@psu.edu

*Contact with any workshop related questions

Presentation Title: Who are the project developers in Alabama?

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Presentation Overview: Salem will lead an interactive session that allows participants to explore the existing project developers in Alabama. Participants will get to compare characteristics of different programs and discuss pros and cons of the options available.  

Presentation Title: 

• Opening Remarks- Welcome to Tuskegee University and the Carbon Pathways Workshop

Presentation Title: Income Based Decision Making for Landowners

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Presentation Overview: Voluntary forest carbon markets can provide an alternative source of income for many family forest landowners in the southeastern United States.  During this presentation I will discuss important carbon market concepts of additionality, business-as-usual practices, permanence, and carbon pools that can impact contract length and revenues and that should thus be considered prior to enrolling in a market.   Fundamental economic considerations of demand and supply, time value of money and interest rates, risk and uncertainty, and opportunity costs are also discussed at a basic and applied level. Beyond that, uncertainty related to state, regional, national, and even international policy should be considered.

Presentation Title: Legacy in the Land: Navigating Agribusiness Succession Planning and Carbon Markets

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Presentation Overview: As land ownership transitions to the next generation, integrating strong agribusiness management with emerging opportunities like forestry carbon credits is vital for long-term sustainability. This presentation will guide landowners through the critical steps of agribusiness succession planning, ensuring that family forests remain both profitable and protected. Participants will learn ways to structure their agricultural operations and implement strategic development practices that secure their family's environmental and financial legacy within the community.

Presentation Title: Panel Session - What Local Resources Exist in my Area?

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Presentation Overview: Alabama is a heavily forested state, encompassing approximately 23 million acres. Majority of the forests, roughly 80 percent, is held by non-industrial private landowners. These forests are vital to the state’s economy, driving growth through the timber industry, tourism, and recreation, while simultaneously sustaining a healthy environment rich in biodiversity and clean water. Because managing these landscapes for long-term resilience is essential, professional foresters offer tailored management plans and stand recommendations to help owners sustain their forests. However, as implementing these strategies can be both arduous and costly, various cost-share and incentive programs are available to assist with these taxing issues. Emerging carbon markets present new opportunities for landowners to receive compensation for long-term conservation efforts. By exploring these diverse programs, landowners can discover limitless possibilities for sustainable stewardship of Alabama’s forests.

Moderator 

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Deja has a background in geospatial analytics, she partners with communities to co-create knowledge on how forests, green spaces, and coastal ecosystems can support biodiversity, mitigate extreme weather impacts, and promote community health. She leverages participatory science and geospatial tools to drive equitable conservation and environmental resilience. 

Presentation Title: Applied Topics- Forestry Tour of Camp Atkins

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Presentation Overview: I will lead a field tour of the Camp Atkins Forests in Tuskegee Alabama. I will talk about the current management practices at Camp Atkins and highlight how this forest management is related to carbon content in the forest. 

Presentation Title: Engaging Youth in Forest Carbon Discussions 

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Presentation Overview: Engaging activities are an excellent way to help people understand new concepts. This session will introduce you to a resource developed for high school teachers to explore how forests respond to climate change and how forest managers can adapt to a changing climate. Try an activity and share ideas you find useful. If students visit your forest or you work in classrooms, these strategies could be something you will use!

Presentation Titles: What Local Resources Exist in my Area? and Forest Disturbances and Invasive Species in Alabama.

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Presentation Overview: I am a Certified Wildlife Biologist® with a background in habitat management for upland game birds, longleaf pine ecosystems, and early successional ecosystems.  I’ve worked with landowners for over 10 years to help them reach their wildlife and natural resources management goals.  As an Extension Agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) – Auburn University, I not only provide science-based technical assistance to landowners but also educate all who are interested in natural resources. ACES is the primary outreach and engagement organization for the land grant mission of Alabama A&M and Auburn University in Cooperation with Tuskegee University.  We have agents and specialists who cover almost all aspects of land management from home horticulture to commercial agriculture, from domestic animals to wildlife, from insects to aquatics, and more.  Additionally, we have educational materials and experts who can help answer your forest carbon questions.  My main advice to landowners is to work with a natural resources professional who understands their goals to make sure they know what is needed and how to get it done, and to be active and engaged in their land management.
 

Presentation Titles: What Local Resources Exist in my Area? 

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Presentation OverviewThis presentation will provide an overview of the Alabama Forestry Foundation’s work with private landowners in the region, with a focus on practical, on-the-ground experience supporting forest management and carbon opportunities. It will highlight how the Foundation partners with the American Forest Foundation’s Family Forest Carbon Initiative, including the Growing Mature Forests (IFM) and Fields to Forests programs, and the role of working directly with landowners to determine eligibility, answer questions, and monitor project progress. The discussion will also cover resources available to landowners for making informed management decisions, including those related to forest carbon, and offer guidance for landowners interested in expanding or diversifying their management objectives.
 

Presentation Title: Legacy in the Land: Navigating Agribusiness Succession Planning and Carbon Markets

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Presentation Overview: Presenting with Ajoa Yemaya (See above)

Moderator during Roundtable Discussions and Interactive Sessions

Moderator during Roundtable Discussions and Interactive Sessions

Moderator during Roundtable Discussions and Interactive Sessions