Information, training and technical assistance for those who care for Rhode Island’s forests
URI leads and supports range of forestry extension activities to support Rhode Island forest owners in caring for their forests to protect and improve ecosystem health, forest productivity, wildlife habitat, and water quality, among other values.
Rhode Island Woods website: URI hosts a website to provide the public with information about Rhode Island forestry and wildlife issues and to help forest owners care for their land. The website provides lists of different types of RI forest-related businesses (including land management services and native wood products), as well as information about local plants and animals and state forestry and wildlife regulations. Rhode Island Woods was developed in collaboration with several other partners.
Outreach Events for Landowners: URI organizes periodic events for landowners about forestry and wildlife, including the annual Rhode Island Coverts Program, a training for forest landowners about forest management practices that can make wildlife healthier, more diverse and abundant. With a focus on forest ecology and stewardship, wildlife management, and land conservation, the Coverts workshop has trained landowners from across the state.
The Rhode Island Woodland Partnership (RIWP): URI is a founding member of the RIWP, a collaboration among foresters, landowners, conservationists, and professionals who represent public agencies, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. Partnership members share a common goal of advancing the stewardship and long-term protection of Rhode Island’s woodlands to benefit the local economy, ecological values, and community enjoyment and health. We welcome additional partners.
Woodscaping Guide: This guide provides educational information and resources that are geared towards the interests and goals of owners of woodland parcels of 10 acres or fewer.
USDA Climate Hubs: URI is one of the land grant universities participating in the the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Northeast Climate Hub and Northern Forests Climate Hub, which deliver science-based research findings and practical information and tools to forest managers and farmers about adapting to climate change. URI shares information about climate adaptation approaches with landowners through various outreach events and collaborates with Hub members in the development of new adaptation approaches. URI has been involved in a variety of projects with the Northeast Hub.
For more information about forestry extension at URI, please contact:
Christopher Riely, Forestry Specialist and Research Associate (criely@uri.edu)
Scott McWilliams, Professor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology (srmcwilliams@uri.edu)
Department of Natural Resources Science
University of Rhode Island
Coastal Institute in Kingston
1 Greenhouse Road
Kingston, RI 02881