College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Blog

Wildlife Students Gather Field Data with Flighty Participants

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A point-of-view shot from the back of a canoe shows a student sitting at the front, facing away from the camera towards the sun rising over the Sturgeon River. The canoe is headed down the river towards a bridge. The river is lined on either side with trees and brush.
Wildlife ecology and conservation students perform real-world field research and data collection as part of their capstone projects. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Cotey)

Hands-on research and data collection are essential preparation for a career as a wildlife professional. The wildlife capstone course offered by the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) guides students through the joys and challenges of collecting data on some of nature’s most elusive research subjects. One of this year’s teams focused on how the bat population uses forest gaps, while another examined how environmental factors relate to bird sightings.

Wildlife Students Close the Gap on Bat Data

Stacy Cotey, assistant teaching professor for CFRES, leads the course, which this academic year included Meghan Boelens, Derek Weide, Jacob Sutter, Graham Bishop and Grace Simpson, all wildlife ecology and conservation students. The Huskies took a closer look at how forest gaps and the way those open spaces are used can affect the bat population.

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CFRES Faculty Featured in Science Magazine for Bird Decline Research

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Jared Wolfe smiles while peering out of the corner of his eye towards the camera as he travels via boat through the Amazon.
Jared Wolfe’s work with rainforest bird populations has caught the attention of Science magazine.

Jared Wolfe, associate professor for the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, made Michigan Tech News headlines on our Unscripted Research Blog last year with his eye-catching subjects and jaw-dropping discoveries. This year, his research into the cause of bird declines in the Neotropics is the focus of a recently published feature article in Science magazine, “Fading Melodies.”

“It’s an honor to have the scientific media outlet of record interested in your work,” said Wolfe. “The fact that they are making it a featured article is even more exciting. Honestly, tropical bird declines have not received the attention they should, and I am glad Science is dedicating the resources to cover this issue.”

Wolfe is no stranger to the spotlight — his research has previously been featured in Audubon magazine and The Guardian multiple times — but says publication in Science represents a “pinnacle of research exposure.” He spent a week in the Amazon with Science reporter Warren Cornwall to provide information for the story. The feature highlights his innovative irrigation experiment in the central Amazon, designed to identify the climatic drivers of pervasive, unexplained bird population declines across multiple sites across the Neotropics.

“We developed an irrigation experiment in the Amazon, watering pristine forest to measure the multifaceted responses of birds, mammals, and insects,” said Wolfe. “The experiment is bold, and the results are compelling.”

Wolfe’s research indicates the declines may reflect changes in climate, such as increasingly severe dry seasons. Read the full Science article for details on his experiment and findings.

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Huskies Battle Glossy Buckthorn in the UP

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A close-up image of a clipboard, canvas bag with a pen, natural herbicide and applicators, and the legs and feet of a researcher in jeans and hiking shoes, who is kneeling in preparation to apply the herbicide. A travel mug of coffee sits next to the bag on the forest floor.
Fighting invasive species takes a lot of work, research and innovation, but Huskies are ready to step into the forest and get their hands dirty for a good cause.

Invasive buckthorn is running rampant in northern forests, including those right here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Curbing the spread of the invasive forms of the species, which include glossy and common buckthorn, is a formidable challenge, but our Husky experts continue to explore and innovate solutions. Their methods encompass everything from natural treatments to herbicide applications.

Researching An Old Problem for Young Forests

Forest science PhD candidate Chris Hohnholt is among Tech researchers investigating countermeasures against the glossy buckthorn invasion. Hohnholt’s research tested the efficacy, ecology, and economics of three glossy buckthorn treatments: hand-pulling, treatment with a glyphosate herbicide, and treatment with a triclopyr herbicide.

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One Final Lesson: CFRES Grad Selected to Address Fellow Huskies at Mid-Year Commencement

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Quinn Riordan stands in the UJ Noblet Forestry Building, smiling with her arms crossed in a confident pose.
Quinn Riordan looks forward to a career teaching others about environmental stewardship, thanks to her hands-on experiences at Michigan Tech.

When Quinn Riordan shares her farewell message as the 2025 student speaker for Midyear Commencement, she’ll also be continuing to prepare for her future.

“I’m pursuing a career in environmental education and research, which requires a lot of public speaking,” said Riordan. “What’s a better opportunity to get more practice than in front of my whole class?”

Riordan, who is earning her bachelor’s degree in applied ecology and environmental science, said she’s honored to be selected as speaker and grateful to College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Dean David Flaspohler, who gave her the nudge she needed to throw her hat into the ring.

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Forestry and Wildlife Club Represent Tech at National Conferences

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More than 25 foresters and SAF members from around the country gather outside for a workshop on types of wood-cutting axes during the SAF National Convention.
Forestry and Wildlife conferences are more outdoorsy than your typical convention. (Photo courtesy of the MTU Forestry Club)

The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science was well-represented at two national conferences this fall—the Society of American Foresters National Convention and The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference.

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Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Preservation of Historic Ford Alberta Sawmill

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An aerial view of the Ford Center and surrounding forest.
The Alberta pump house will soon open to the public as the Historic Ford Welcome Center, part of ongoing preservation efforts that include the historic Ford Alberta sawmill.

Michigan Tech’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is delighted to partner with the Baraga County Historical Society (BCHS) to open the Alberta pump house to the public as the Historic Ford Welcome Center and celebrate the preservation of the historic Ford Alberta sawmill. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the pump house at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 12, marking a significant achievement in preserving and honoring the location’s rich history.

“It’s really important that the Baraga County Historical Society has a physical presence on the Alberta campus,” said Mark Rudnicki, Ford Center and Forest director and a professor of practice in forest biomaterials. “They’ve played a leading role in fundraising for the sawmill restoration to date and I very much look forward to seeing their continued success.”

The Ford sawmill and pump house, located 10 miles south of L’Anse, Michigan on US Highway 41, has been an icon of Upper Peninsula Ford history since its establishment 90 years ago. BCHS said the opening of the pump house as the Historic Ford Welcome Center and the preservation project of the sawmill is pivotal to the legacy of Henry Ford in Baraga County and ensures that future generations can appreciate and learn from these important pieces of our history.

“We are proud to celebrate the preservation of the Ford Alberta sawmill and the opening of the Ford Welcome Center,” said Paula McElroy, president of BCHS. “This project, spearheaded by chairperson Mike DesRochers and his Historical Society committee, reflects our commitment to preserving our local history for present and future generations and contributing to the cultural enrichment of our community.”

The ceremony will feature remarks from Michigan Tech and BCHS leaders and special guest Todd Bryan, president of the Henry Ford Heritage Association. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the former pump house as the new Historic Ford Welcome Center, now a satellite of the Baraga County Historical Museum, meet with preservation committee members to learn more about the history and significance of the site, and enjoy light refreshments.

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College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Welcomes New Professor

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John McCarty stands on the boardwalk at the Nara Trails, a popular birdwatching spot near Michigan Tech’s Campus.
John McCarty joins CFRES as a professor of practice.

The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) welcomes John McCarty to our faculty as a professor of practice. McCarty, who holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University, describes himself as “broadly interested in ecology and environmental science and how science can contribute to multidisciplinary solutions to environmental problems.” His focus here at Tech will be on training and mentoring the next generation of ecologists and natural resource professionals.

“My goal is to help students reach their academic and professional goals—to help ensure they develop the skills needed to work effectively as members of multidisciplinary teams seeking solutions to complex environmental challenges,” McCarty said.

McCarty’s lab and field work is concentrated on bird conservation. His recent projects include investigating the role of natural areas in maintaining diverse and abundant bird communities, how changes in farming practices impact bird and butterfly communities, birds and butterflies in urban environments, and use of agricultural fields as stopover sites for migratory shorebirds.

McCarty worked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service early in his career, finding solutions to widespread PCB contamination in New York’s Hudson River. He also worked at the interface between science and policy as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science Policy Fellow in Washington, D.C. In that capacity he focused on global climate change and topics related to natural resource management. He more recently served as a member of a US Environmental Protection Agency Scientific Advisory Panel, providing science-based expertise on policy matters related to endocrine disruptors and other environmental hazards. McCarty also led efforts by the Nebraska state chapter of The Nature Conservancy to develop and implement a statewide policy addressing global climate change.

“Michigan Tech and our college in particular is very fortunate to have Dr. McCarty join our team,” said CFRES Dean David Flaspohler. “John brings extensive experience to his role in the college, including instruction for our introductory first-year class, The Natural Resource Professional (FW1050), which is also part of Michigan Tech’s Essential Education program. The students really enjoy his thoughtful and welcoming approach to teaching this important class.”

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Michigan Tech Hosts Four Days of SEED Programming in Detroit, Empowering Local Youth Through Environmental Education

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More than 50 students and instructors who participated in the SEED program pose together for a photo at a park in Detroit on a bright, sunny day.
SEED, an immersive, place-based STEM summer learning experience led by Michigan Tech, involved more than 100 students in hands-on experience with environmental science and its real-world applications. (Photos courtesy of SEED)

In this guest blog by College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Dean David Flaspohler and Michigan Technological University Vice President for Community Engagement Wayne Gersie, learn more about a program designed to bring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education to students in an environmental framework that they might not otherwise experience.

Michigan Technological University recently wrapped up an immersive summer learning experience that began with a gathering in the Upper Peninsula and extended to outreach in Detroit.

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Ford Center Sawmill Re-clad through Husky Innovation and Industry Partnership

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An aerial view of the Ford Center Sawmill and surrounding forest.
The Ford Center Sawmill is getting a fresh new look this summer with exterior siding from LP Building Solutions.

The historic Ford Center Sawmill at Michigan Tech’s Ford Forest and Center is getting a facelift. One of three original Ford-operated sawmills in Baraga County, Michigan, the circa 1936 sawmill is receiving all-new exterior siding from Louisiana Pacific Building Solutions (LP). 

College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Dean David Flaspohler said the siding project, now underway and expected to be completed by the end of summer, is made possible through the generous support of LP, a local donor, and has a direct connection to Michigan Tech research.

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Capstones and Community Converge as Huskies Conduct Research in a Local Forest

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Looking up into a green forest canopy.
Close to campus and the City of Houghton, the Pilgrim River Community Forest offers a welcome habitat for both non-human residents and visitors seeking recreation and relaxation. Huskies are studying this treasured resource to determine management techniques that will help keep the forest as healthy as possible. (All photos courtesy Allyson McQuiston)

Huskies in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences care deeply about community and stewardship of natural resources. Allyson McQuiston, Aidan Sheppard, and Spencer Aud are no exception. Sheppard and Aud, both forestry majors, graduated in December 2024. McQuiston, an applied ecology and environmental science major, graduates this month. In this CFRES news blog, they describe their roles in a project designed to maintain and sustain the health of a treasured community resource.

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