Category: News

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Preservation of Historic Ford Alberta Sawmill

Published September 11, 2025

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.

College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Welcomes New Professor

Published September 2, 2025

By Windy Veker

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.”

From Houghton to Ecuador: Scholarship Winner Shares Internship Experience

Published October 2, 2024

By Cyndi Perkins

Person standing next to waterfall giving a thumbs up gesture. — Quinn Waterfall Scholarship winner Quinn Riordan explored Ecuador this summer—and did research and outreach with a non-governmental agency that works alongside community farmers. (All images courtesy Quinn Riordan)

Quinn Riordan knew she’d have to land scholarships in order to pay for school. The applied ecology and environmental science major went for the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service from the Obama Foundation—and won!

In addition to receiving up to $25,000 per year in last-dollar financial aid for her junior and senior years, covering Riordan’s remaining tuition after other federal, state or institutional aid is applied, the scholarship also included a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to fund a six-week Summer Voyage between her junior and senior year. For her Voyage, Riordan chose to focus on sustainable agriculture and access to agricultural knowledge.

CFRES Invites Community to Celebrate Expansion at Ford Center

Published September 24, 2024

By Cyndi Perkins

Our Ford Center is known for its beautiful surroundings. Recent improvements have made the facility itself more beautiful.

Michigan Tech students, faculty, staff, and the greater community are invited to a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the new Danis room and patio area at the Ford Center. The event takes place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, October 1 at the Ford Center in Alberta.

Please pre-register to help organizers know how many to expect.

The patio was made possible through a brick paver campaign that wrapped up July 4. The College appreciates the contributions of alumni and friends who purchased commemorative engravings for the spacious and welcoming addition to the Center.

Tara Bal Nominated to Society of Forestry Board of Directors

Published August 20, 2024

News

Tara Bal selfie photo with pine forest in the background — Tara Bal, Society of American Foresters Board of Directors vice presidential nominee, recently explored a forest in Sweden on a rainy day.

Tara Bal has been nominated to serve a three-year term on the Society of American Foresters (SAF) Board of Directors as Vice-President.

“It’s a great honor to be nominated,” said Bal. “SAF serves as an opportunity, for myself and others, to forge new connections, engage on diverse topics, and give back to the forests that provide for us, by providing resources for the landowners and managers that take care of them.”

The board position is structured in a three-year succession: serving one year as vice president, one year as president, and one year as immediate past president. The election will be held throughout September, with the terms of elected board members beginning January 1, 2025.

February & March 2023 Photo Contest

Published April 26, 2023

By Nicole Bennett

Starting 2023, CFRES is holding a photo contest. These photos are from students (undergraduate or graduate). If you’re a student and you’d like to submit images, here are the following guidelines:

Any undergraduate or graduate student can submit a photo
Photos of students in class, in labs are welcome as well as other subjects
Photos should be taken during the month in which the contest is being run
Each student can submit no more than 5 photos per month
Photos taken within the Keweenaw region are preferred
By submitting your photos, you agree to allow CFRES to reproduce them (with attribution) in future web or print materials
Email Sarah Atkinson (sjbird@mtu.edu) up to three photos per student per month by the end of the month.

The winner for February was Ellie Rizk. The winning image can be seen below.

Light shining behind a tree covered in snow — Photo Credit: Ellie Rizk

The winner for March was Sam Kurkowski. The winning image can be seen below.

A man through a large chunk of ice at sunset — Photo Credit: Sam Kurkowski

Here are the other photos submitted in no particular order. Thanks to everyone who participated!

A man following a small rodent on a road

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Photo Credit: Zoe Streiff

A snowy forest landscape with a large stream running through it

Photo Credit: Laura Schimmel

Photo Credit: Laura Schimmel

Photo Credit: Laura Schimmel

A sprig of cedar on a rocky beach with ice

Photo Credit: Laura Schimmel

A frozen lake with a lighthouse in the distance

Photo Credit: Laura Schimmel

Icicles and ice stalagmites in a small cave

Photo Credit: Sam Kurkowski

Photo Credit: Sam Kurkowski

Photo Credit: Sam Kurkowski

People lining up downtown for Copper Dog

Photo Credit: Sam Kurkowski

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Maintenance taking place on the ceiling of the atrium

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Snowshoeing and outdoors equipment on a wooden wall

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Photo Credit: Jade Stadler

Photo Credit: Kendra Podbregar

Photo Credit: Madalyn Tudor-Duncan

Photo Credit: Jim Schmierer

An icicle with an out of focus sunset in the background

Photo Credit: Kath Higdon

An out of focus chickadee flying in the background with an in focus tree branch in front of it

Photo Credit: Kath Higdon

Birch tree with mushrooms growing off of it

Photo Credit: Kath Higdon

Photo Credit: Caleb Followell

Photo Credit: Ellie Rizk

Photo Credit: Ellie Rizk

Photo Credit: Tristan Walk

A snowy cross country skiing trail at the Tech Trails

Photo Credit: Tristan Walk

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

A closeup of walls at the Forestry Building

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

January 2023 Photo Contest

Published February 17, 2023

By Nicole Bennett

Any undergraduate or graduate student can submit a photo
Photos of students in class, in labs are welcome as well as other subjects
Photos should be taken during the month in which the contest is being run
Each student can submit no more than 3 photos per month
Photos taken within the Keweenaw region are preferred
By submitting your photos, you agree to allow CFRES to reproduce them (with attribution) in future web or print materials
Email Sarah Atkinson (sjbird@mtu.edu) up to three photos per student per month by the end of the month.

The winner for January was Sam Kurkowski, a graduate student here. The winning image can be seen below.

A person riding on a mountain bike on the lake coast. — Winner of the January 2023 photo contest, taken by Sam Kurkowski

Here are the other photos that students submitted, in no particular order. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Two people on cross-country skis posing in the middle of a snowy track

Photo credit: Sam Kurkowski

Four people posing in front of a beach coast

Photo credit: Sam Kurkowski

Photo credit: Sam Kurkowski

Photo credit: Sam Kurkowski

White moths pinned to a board, three in focus with many more out of focus

Photo credit: Kath Higdon

Photo credit: Kath Higdon

Photo credit:” Kath Higdon

Photo credit: Kath Higdon

A close-up of the upper-body of N. orbicollis, a beetle.

Photo credit: Kath Higdon

A cross-country skiing trail through a forest

Photo credit: Tryg Solberg

A small, lone island in the middle of a lake between mountains

Photo credit: Anthony Ciaramitaro

A mountain at sunset overlooking fields and a coniferous forest with a river winding through it

Photo credit: Anthony Ciaramitaro

A mountain at sunrise overlooking miles of coniferous forests

Photo credit: Anthony Ciaramitaro

A mountain overlooking a field of tulips on a partially cloudy day

Photo credit: Anthony Ciaramitaro

A dracaena in a windowsill looking out to a snowy forest

Photo credit: Rob Tunison

A cedar overlooking a rushing river in a snowy forest.

Photo credit: Rob Tunison

A droplet of water falling off of a wet branch

Photo credit: Eric Brand

A tree branch with a droplet of water falling off of it.

Photo credit: Eric Brand

A sunset overlooking a residential complex

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

A person surrounded by white-tailed deer in a park

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

A snowy residential complex, and a snowy tree in the foreground

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

A residential building in the foreground, and the moon in the night sky in the background

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

A snowman in front of a wood plank bridge over a stream in a snowy river

Photo credit: Madalyn Tudor-Duncan

Two people looking at each other with a dog on a cliff surrounded by forests

Photo credit: Madalyn Tudor-Duncan

Photo credit: John McCall

Holes in a tree left from a pileated woodpecker

Photo credit: John McCall

Interesting shapes formed in ice in a creek

Photo credit: Nicolas Skillings

Photo credit: Nicolas Skillings

The lower half of a person lying in a snowy forest with a pair of binoculars and a "Sibley Birds East" field guide on their lap

Photo credit: Ezekiel Stark

Photo credit: Shawna Carr

A student collecting data with reel tape in a jack pine forest

Photo credit: Shawna Carr

Photo credit: Shawna Carr

Students looking around a red pine forest

Photo credit: Shawna Carr

Photo credit: Shawna Carr

New Degree Program: Natural Resources Management

Published June 20, 2015

The Presidents’ Council, State Universities of Michigan has approved Michigan Tech’s new Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management. The new program will start this fall.

“The value of this new undergraduate degree program in natural resources management is that it is interdisciplinary and thus complements our existing disciplinary programs in natural resources,” said Terry Sharik, dean of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. “Thus, rather than focusing on a single renewable resource, such as wood, wildlife, water or recreation, it will integrate across these resource areas and include the ecological, social and economic dimensions of natural resource or ecosystem management. It will complement our other degree programs as the graduates of this new program will be tasked with overseeing teams of specialists to work on complex issues related to natural resources and the environment. Another plus for the new degree program is it is likely to attract students who might not otherwise be attracted to our existing programs.

“We know from national data that such programs tend to attract a higher proportion of females and under-represented minorities than more traditional natural resource programs focused on single resources, and thus our new program should increase the overall diversity of our student body,” Sharik went on to say.

Article by Jennifer Donovan

James B. Pickens Retires

Published June 2, 2015

News

Professor James B. (Jim) Pickens is retiring from the Michigan Tech School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science after 30 years of teaching,research, and service to the school. Jim wore many hats during his time with the School—teacher, storyteller, graduate program coordinator for the School, University Senator, and developer and manager of our very successful Master of Forestry program.

When asked to reflect on his career, Jim says, “It was a hoot publishing lots of very theoretical mathematics papers, especially in the first 15 years here.” Another highlight: receiving the Hardwood Research Award from the National Hardwood Research Council for his development of a hardwood log-bucker training program for implementation in the eastern US. This award is only given out once a year and may be the only industry-sponsored award in forestry and wood products. Jim says his greatest achievement was not a paper or training program—it was his students. He focuses on how rewarding it was to develop the Master of Forestry program and help 47 students earn master’s degrees in the past 10 years. “I worked them twice as hard and gave them half the credit, and those are both good things,” Jim says, chuckling.

Jim had the fortune of ending his teaching career with a particularly good Forest Resource Management class. “This was a group of phenomenal students who worked hard, thought clearly, and excelled. They are great students who also melded to form a great class; one doesn’t necessarily lead to the other.”

In retirement, Jim looks forward to spending more time with his spouse, dogs, gardens, and orchard. His other goal is to “personally meet every fish in Michigan and . . . Montana.”

Biltmore stick-fishing pole, a quirky, but fitting retirement gift from Blair Orr.

Forestry Club goes to Conclave

Published April 23, 2015

Forestry Club traveled to Makanda, Illinois for the 63rd Midwestern Foresters’ Conclave, placing third overall. Members achieved 13 top four finishes and won three events: Chain Throw, Traverse, and Wood Identification. Snapchat--6878266097536064984

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