Terry Baker is the CEO of the Society of American Foresters (SAF). He oversees all of SAF’s programs and collaborates with his Board of Directors to establish a strategic vision committed to the scientific sustainable management of America’s forests. Prior to his selection as SAF CEO in September 2018, Baker served in various roles within the USDA Forest Service. His almost 20-year federal career started in …
Celebrating National Pollinator Week
Did you know? More than 80% of flowering plants and about 75% of food crops depend on pollinators, making their health essential to agriculture and our food supply. Growing Pollinator Habitat Creating habitat is one of the most immediate and effective ways to support pollinators. Whether in backyards or across entire landscapes, habitat creation is foundational to pollinator recovery. In …
From Hive to Habitat: How Land-Grant Universities are Protecting Bees
Bees are essential to our food systems, pollinating many of the fruits, vegetables, and other crops we rely on every day. However, pollinator populations face growing threats, from pests and disease to habitat loss and environmental stress. Across the country, land-grant universities are stepping up to meet these challenges. Through cutting-edge research, on-the-ground Cooperative Extension, and strong community partnerships, land-grant experts are developing …
Building Resilient Water Systems: Protecting Water Quality Across America
America’s water resources are under growing pressure, from nutrient pollution and invasive species to drought and climate-driven variability. Protecting these systems requires science-based solutions. From mapping contaminants in critical watersheds to equipping decision-makers with precision tools and empowering communities to prevent ecological threats, land-grant universities are helping safeguard water quality and ecosystem health. Together, their efforts are strengthening the resilience …
From the Lab to the Field: Land-grant Universities Confront the New World Screwworm Threat
As federal and state agencies strengthen surveillance for the New World screwworm, land‑grant universities in the Southwest are emerging as critical partners in national preparedness. From Texas to California, research stations, veterinary labs, and Cooperative Extension experts are mobilizing to protect livestock, wildlife, and rural economies. In moments of emerging agricultural threats, science must quickly move from the lab to …
A Season of Gratitude
As family and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the many hands that make our holiday meals possible. Across the land-grant university system, researchers, educators, and Extension professionals work year-round to ensure American families have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. From seed to your plate (and even the fridge and back to …