College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University

Hands-on experience…real world opportunities.

Nature Dawgs is in full swing, and is thrilled to host high school students on campus for a week of hands-on learning! From forestry and wildlife to sustainable bioproducts and fisheries, these future natural resource leaders are diving into it all.

Huge thanks to Mississippi Forestry Commission for joining us today to explore forestry equipment and tree measurements!

faculty and students are building a new home for bats…helping resolve a campus-wide human-wildlife conflict.

Bats at Davis Wade, MSU dorms getting new home Though you may not see or hear them, thousands of bats are living on Mississippi State University’s campus, attending football games at Davis Wade Stadium and snuggling up in MSU’s multi-story residence halls.

Think your lump charcoal is made from 100% U.S. hardwood? Think again. An scientist found what’s really in the bag—and it’s not always what the label claims.

Grilling with lump charcoal: Is US-grown hardwood really in that bag? None of the analyzed bags of lump charcoal gave buyers as much effective grilling fuel as their labels promised.

scientists are finding new uses for small-diameter and underutilized trees with new engineered wood products. Find out how their work could improve landowner income and protect the environment on this episode of Renew.

Renew June 2025 Engineered wood products

🌿 Student Spotlight: Lauren Mutchler
Lauren is an urban forestry major from Birmingham, AL, with a passion for sustainable living and natural resources. At MSU, she’s gained hands-on experience climbing trees and learning arboriculture skills. 🌳✨

She’s actively involved in Students for a Sustainable Campus, serves as a Junior Rep for SAF, and is a proud CFR Ambassador. Her goal? To work as an urban forester and educate others about the importance of native plants and green spaces. 🌱🌆

What is biochar? Could it be a boost to rural economies? Find out in this episode of Renew.

Renew May 2025 Learn more about biochar and the potential for this new industry in Mississippi.

We enjoyed showcasing our wood identification research!

WOOD SCIENTIST PAYS IT FORWARD 🌲🔬
Pascal Theberge, ’95 alumnus in forest products, turned a lifelong passion for materials into a meaningful career in research and mentoring. Now a research scientist at Huber Engineered Woods, he’s helping shape the future of engineered wood—and the people who work in it.
READ THE STORY BELOW:
https://www.cfr.msstate.edu/news/article.php?id=891

🌿 Kaitlyn Church| Wildlife Vet Med + Creative Writing

From Ocean Springs, MS, Kaitlyn is passionate about conservation, creative writing, and community. She’s currently a student worker researching synthetic mRNA to treat bovine respiratory disease and stays active in organizations including The Wildlife Society, Pre-Vet Club, and Xi Sigma Pi and many more.

She hopes to become a wildlife vet, publish a book, and open a conservation-focused clinic in her hometown.

🌱 Happy World Environment Day from !
We’re training the next generation of leaders in forest conservation, wildlife ecology, and sustainable resource management.
Our land. Our future.