We are joined by Dr. Adam Pellegrini, Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, to better understand how ecosystems respond to global change. Dr. Pellegrini breaks down how fire maintains and affects carbon cycling and how these key processes shape ecosystems worldwide. Dr. Adam Pellegrini @eco_pelle, W…

Dr. Kendall Calhoun of UCLA and UC Davis joins us to discuss the impact of megafires on wildlife communities. We delve into what defines a megafire, explore his research on wildlife and habitat responses to megafires, and discuss both the positive and negative effects of these events. Resources: Calhoun, K. L., et al. (2024). Movement behavior in a…

Dr. Molly Hunter joins us to discuss her work with the Joint Fire Science Program and the Fire Science Exchange Network, two organizations established to support fireland science research, provide science-based decisions to managers, and foster collaboration between scientists and practitioners. We also discuss the importance of measuring outcomes …

Kim Sash, the Biological Monitoring Coordinator for Tall Timbers Research Station, joins us to shed light on how fire shapes reptilian and amphibian habitat, the challenges of applying fire regimes to wetland management, and how fire is used to help conserve these fascinating creatures. Resources: Bailey, M. A., et al. (2006). Habitat management gu…

Dr. Ben Sikes, Associate Professor of Microbial Ecology at the University of Kansas, joins us to shed light on the fascinating relationships between fungi and fire. Learn of the interconnection between plants created by mycorrhizal networks (AKA the “wood wide web”), how fire regimes drive changes in fungal communities, the mechanisms of carrying o…

Carolina and Marcus sit down with Ciera Rhodes of Quail Forever to discuss the importance of using fire when managing for gamebirds, programs and agencies available to assist landowners with management practices and funding, and best fire practices for maximizing quail on your property. Resources: NRCS EQIP Quail Forever Dr. Carolina Baruzzi (wildl…

Dr. Anthony Taylor, Associate Professor of Forest Management at the University of New Brunswick, joins Carolina to discuss the Canadian wildfires, the implications of climate change on our ecological and human communities, and what tools can help mitigate these effects moving forward. Resources: Wang, J., Taylor, A. R., & D’Orangeville, L. (2023). …

Dr. Istvan Kereszy joins Marcus and Carolina to discuss his company: Fire Neural Network. Learn how artificial intelligence is used to detect high-risk lightning, how it is currently being applied to fight wildfires across the globe, and how we can continue to benefit from this technology moving forward. Dr. Istvan Kereszy (info@fireneuralnetwork.c…

We welcome Dr. Carolina Baruzzi, Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology & Management at the University of Florida, who joins Marcus as our new co-host of Fire University! Hear about their previous work together, Dr. Baruzzi’s research interests, and their ideas for the series moving forward. Resources from the episode: Baruzzi, C., et al. "The pyr…

Marcus is joined by Jenn Fawcett, Extension Associate & SERPPAS Prescribed Fire Work Group Coordinator for NC State University. Join as they discuss the various avenues of education and coordination available to landowners across the southeast wanting to get fire on their land. Resources from the episode: https://kstate.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappv…

Marcus is joined by Laurel Kays, Fire Learning Network Manager of The Nature Conservancy. Learn of the programs and networking support in which fire professionals are helping landowners to understand and navigate getting fire on their lands. Resources from the episode: Fire Learning Network Project Firehawk: Decolonizing Prescribed Fire A Pessimist…

Dr. Marcus Lashley is joined by Dr. Kevin Robertson, Fire Ecology Research Scientist at Tall Timbers Research Station. Listen as they discuss Dr. Robertson’s recent research assessing how fire affects the restoration of pine savannas over a 100 year period. Research study discussed: Pine savanna restoration on agricultural landscapes: The path back…

In this episode of Fire University, Marcus chats with Dr. Victoria Donovan, Assistant Professor of Forest Management at the University of Florida. Join as they discuss her past research understanding the roles of fire dynamics across plant and animal communities, as well as future research programs to continue understanding how fire shapes communit…

Earlier this year, we created an online Fire Training Course to teach and train participants on how to use prescribed fire to reach land management objectives. We had fire experts join a panel discussion to answer questions and share their knowledge on the fundamentals of implementing fire and connecting with fire communities. This episode is that …

Whether it’s from fear of red meat allergy or Lyme’s disease, it’s safe to say that most people don’t hope to find a tick on them during routine checks. In this episode, Marcus introduces longtime friend and newly hired UF Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management Dr. Carolina Baruzzi. Join as they break down their recent (unreleased) …

The species you hunt need habitat year round. Now is a key time to evaluate your habitat management outcomes and plan for upcoming applications. Join Marcus as he chats with old friend and colleague Dr. Will Gulsby, Associate professor at Auburn University, as they discuss what you can do during the July heat. Dr. Will Gulsby - @dr_will_gulsby - Au…

We talk a lot about the aspects of habitat that wildlife use the most…but what about the unique habitat features wildlife use infrequently but are critical to their survival? For this episode, Marcus sits down with good colleagues and friends Dr. Colter Chitwood and Dr. Dwayne Elmore of Oklahoma State University to discuss this concept with gamebir…

Providing lactating does and their fawns with high-quality forage and cover is integral for both their nutrition and survival. In the southeast, fire is one of the leading management tools used to increase the quality of white-tailed deer habitat. For this episode, Marcus sits down with deer expert Dr. Bronson Strickland of the MSU Deer Lab to disc…

In today’s episode, @DrDisturbance chats with Dr. Stephen Pyne, author and professor at Arizona State University who specializes in fire history. Come travel back in time as he walks us through the evolution of fire on the North American landscape, human relationship with fire in the environment, and problems we face now and in the future. Dr. Step…

In this episode of Fire University, Marcus chats with Dr. Katie Greenberg, research ecologist of upland hardwood ecology and management for the USDA Forest Service. Join as they discuss findings from long-term research treatments studying the effects of fire intensity on disturbance-dependent species. From open savannahs to upland oaks, you’ll lear…

It’s the 5th and final day of #WildTurkeyWeek, and to wrap it up we’ve brought on hunting lease manager and wildlife biologist Ryan Basinger of Westervelt Wildlife Services. This episode puts you in the shoes of a landowner managing a 25 year old loblolly pine stand. How do your strategies change depending on targeted species and what are the trade…

For Day 4 of #WildTurkeyWeek, we’ve brought on Ted DeVos, co-owner of Bach and DeVos Forestry and Wildlife Services. Ted has over 22 years of experience helping landowners as a consulting forester and wildlife biologist. In this episode, he breaks down the vital components of turkey habitat management, the resources and programs available to landow…

For Day 3 of #WildTurkeyWeek, we’ve brought on Chipper Gibbes from Whitetail Properties to talk turkey habitat management. Join us as Chipper reveals how he uses fire in tandem with other land management strategies to create his ideal turkey habitat. What is #WildTurkeyWeek? In celebration of turkey season 2022, we’re bringing you a NEW episode EVE…

For #WildTurkeyWeek Day 2, we’re sitting down with turkey lover and fire enthusiast David Hawley of the Wild Turkey Report. Hear from David on how he manages his land for wild turkey using prescribed fire, discusses how turkey habitat management has evolved over generations, and shares what future generations can do to help this beloved species. Wh…

It’s the first day of #WildTurkeyWeek and to kick it off, we’ve brought on Dr. Michael Chamberlain, leading wildlife ecology researcher and professor at the University of Georgia. In this episode, we dive into the latest science on wild turkey populations in the U.S., major problems they currently face, and what we as hunters, landowners, and conse…

What interactions change in upland oak ecosystems when we expand the burn window into the fall? How does this change acorn preference of wildlife like deer and squirrels? In this episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with deer biologist and old graduate student Moriah Boggess to discuss their recent study assessing the effects of…

How does fire regime affect seed production and dispersal in plants? In today’s episode of Fire University, Marcus sits down with former graduate student Dr. Carolina Baruzzi and current PhD candidate David Mason, MSc to chat recent and ongoing research investigating how fire regimes affect plant investment in seed production and how wildlife respo…

A common concern people have when it comes to using prescribed fire is if it will result in the unwanted encroachment of invasive species. In this episode, Dr. Marcus Lashley talks with Dr. David Coyle, assistant professor and extension specialist at Clemson University who researches the impacts of invasive species and forest health management. Joi…

We’ve all heard time and time again that the biggest problem a landowner faces is their neighbor. But what if instead of competing with your neighbor, you joined forces? Join Dr. Marcus Lashley and Dr. Bronson Strickland, hosts of Fire University and Deer University, as they sit down to discuss the benefits co-ops provide and how cooperating with y…

Due to concerns of damaging tree productivity, most prescribed burning has become limited to the dormant season, a practice that is inconsistent with the historical pattern of lighting-initiated fire. How different are the effects of seasonal biennial burning and which factors play the biggest role in survival? In this episode, Dr. Marcus Lashley t…

What do you do if you can’t use fire on your land but want to improve your deer and turkey habitat? In today's episode, Dr. Marcus Lashley inquires upon what landowners can do when faced with prescribed burn limitations. He turns to wildlife experts Dr. Bronson Strickland of the MSU Deer Lab and Dr. Craig Harper of UT Knoxville to discuss the facto…

We use fire to manage lands for specific species, but can this management technique also be used to alter the behavior of predators? Tune into today's episode as Dr. Marcus Lashley chats with Dr. Michael Cherry of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and PhD student Marcelo Jorge of the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and…

In today’s episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with returning guest John Gruchy of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to discuss brood rearing and nesting cover of wild turkeys and northern bobwhites. Join them as they discuss what makes for good brood rearing and nesting cover when managing for turkey…

In today's episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with Dr. Bronson Strickland of the MSU Deer Lab and Dr. Will Gulsby of Auburn University to chat about deer habitat, timing of fire, and all the nuances of using fire as a tool to manage for deer. Tune in to learn how using prescribed fire can help you create both high quality cove…

How can you use fire to manage plant communities for quail? This week, Marcus sits down with Dr. James Martin of the University of Georgia and Dr. Mark McConnell of Mississippi State University to discuss the best management strategies using prescribed fire. This episode covers the best management practices including spatial scale, seasonality, and…

In this episode, Dr. Lashley sits down with his previous graduate students Rainer Nichols, Moriah Boggess & Jacob Dykes to talk about what they learned about fire, wildlife habitat and wildlife behavior, and how that’s prepared them for their careers now. ▬▬▬▬▬ UF DEER Lab Social Media ▬▬▬▬▬ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFDEERLab ►Instagram: https…

Should we be burning while turkeys are nesting? To cover this controversial topic, Dr. Lashley sits down with Dr. Mike Chamberlain of the University of Georgia and David Hawley of the Wild Turkey Report to discuss in detail the potential risks and benefits of burning during this time frame. Also, we cover burn window, scale of application, and infl…

Taking the first steps into using prescribed fire can be daunting – Which tools are needed? How do you develop a plan? Where you can find help and consultation? Look no further! In this week’s episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with John Stivers and John Gruchy, both with years of experience helping private land owners get sta…

Fire was playing an important role in upland hardwood ecosystems when the current mature oaks germinated a century ago. While those mature oaks are still common in the overstory, the next generation of oaks to replace them are not present across much of the central hardwoods and Appalachian regions. Instead, fire exclusion over the last several dec…

We may have more acres to burn than we have time, personnel, and resources to burn it. It is imperative that our tools become more efficient especially with ever-growing societal constraints and considerations. In this week’s episode of Fire University, Marcus Lashley sits down with Dr. Kevin Robertson, Dr. Morgan Varner, and Kevin Hiers at the Tal…

Fire and herbivory have always been important disturbances in grasslands and their interaction may be particularly important for wildlife habitat. In this week’s episode, we talk to Dr. Sam Fuhlendorf of Oklahoma State University and Bob Hamilton of The Nature Conservancy about using patch-burn-grazing to mimic that natural process. Strategic use o…

Knowing where to get information, training, experience, and help is critical to success in prescribed burning. In this episode of Fire University, Marcus Lashley talks with fire professionals Zach Prusak and Andy Rappe to discuss the tools and resources available to fire practitioners and private landowners no matter where you are and why collabora…

In this episode of Fire University, Dr. Marcus Lashley visits some old friends Dr. Craig Harper, John Gruchy, and Jordan Nanney and discusses burning in upland hardwoods. The conversation focuses on habitat improvement for white-tailed deer and wild turkey, as well as implementation strategy to maximize success.…

Fire University is a science-based podcast covering the latest research in fire ecology and how it relates to management of wildlife and plant communities. In this first episode, Dr. Marcus Lashley sits down with communications specialist Charlotte Nowak to introduce this series on fire ecology. Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFDEERLab Instagram: htt…