Women in EcoForesters

lauren on November 3, 2025

Women in North America are making large strides in forest land ownership, land management decisions, and natural resource careers. According to ForestHer, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering a community of women landowners and natural resources professionals to engage in forest conservation and stewardship in North Carolina, the percentage of family forest ownership where a woman is the primary decision maker doubled from 2006 to 2013, and numbers continue to rise. These women make decisions for 44 million acres of North America’s family forest land.

Yet this number still only makes up 16% of family forests–and according to the Society of American Foresters, women make up just 16% of forestry and conservation professionals in the US. With twelve women EcoForesters staff members (46% of staff!) ranging from forestry management, grant writing, GIS map making, to forest restoration technicians, the organization is well positioned to manage the needs of this shifting demographic and see forest management decisions from a woman’s perspective. 

Krishun Karau, Forest Stewardship Director, said lady landowners are welcome at EcoForesters and should not be intimidated when asking for help. 

“I try to assure people, ‘It’s daunting for everybody.’ Specifically, land and invasive plant management. It’s science and ecology, that sort of stuff can be over everybody’s head,” she said. “My advice is to get out there and get comfortable with your land. If you have the means, hike around, get yourself familiar with the plants.”

According to the National Association of State Foresters, women began making inroads into forestry during World War II, when they stood in for men on fire crews and cruised timber as well. But it wasn’t until 1978 that women were officially allowed to work for the US Forest Service. In 2007, the Forest Service named its first female chief, Gail Kimbell.

“If you have the physical ability to get outside, I don’t think you should be dissuaded by your gender or your sex,” said Karau. “A lot of the tools we use at EcoForesters can be used by anyone as long as you are able-bodied.”

Kelly Waldron, Assistant Stewardship Director, spoke a little on the challenges she faced at the start of her career. “There were a couple instances early on in conservation work where a couple of folks underestimated how strong my back was. [I was determined] to prove them wrong when it came to lugging locust logs from some trail building.”

Karau acknowledged that there may not be so much as a physical barrier to using tools such as chainsaws and backpack sprayers for women. “It’s like an invisible barrier of maybe not feeling welcome, or feeling like I don’t want to ask a dumb question or be spoken down to. It’s a matter of finding people who are patient and who are willing to teach you, regardless of your gender.”

On a personal level, Karau oversees the field crew at EcoForesters, managing schedules, performing forestry consultations, running educational workshops, and joining the crew to perform all the services that EcoForesters offers. She said she does see the field of forestry as changing and becoming more accepting of women.

“I feel lucky to have had an overall positive experience working in natural resources,” said Karau, who went to college from 2008-2012. “It wasn’t that long ago, but it was mostly men in my program for natural resources. For me, it was a rise to the challenge type thing: I can do this too. It has been an uncommon thing for me to feel like I was being dismissed because I’m a woman. There’s a sense that you have to prove yourself, and you have less of a margin for error because you don’t want to perpetuate the stereotype that women are incapable of doing this work.” 

Karau lauded all the EcoForesters work partners who have helped restore local forest habitats. “This industry has become more accepting toward women, and I don’t get that feeling [of being dismissed] that often anymore. With EcoForesters, all of the project partners and landowners I’ve worked with have been really awesome and inclusive. Folks are just generally happy to have someone come to their property and talk to them about the things they care about.”

Resources are on the rise for female landowners. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is an agency of the US Department of Agriculture that provides assistance to farmers and other landowners. The NRCS offers an Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), which has a higher reimbursement rate for historically underserved populations, and female landowners fall under that category.

 “It’s awesome, the government is looking to help people who haven’t historically had a leg up in terms of land ownership,” said Karau. 

For women looking to enter the conservation field or become more active in their forestland, Waldron says to just go for it! “Take any opportunity to get out in the field and try various types of conservation work. Be curious! Ask questions! Who cares if you’re 17, or 37, or 62? We need [more] active stewards, because it takes a village.”

Resources: Women Owning Woodlands Network and ForestHer. Skills Academy for Women.

EcoForesters Restoration Crew

lauren on November 3, 2025

The forest restoration crew comprises a good chunk of the staff of EcoForesters. They are responsible for field operations such as invasive species removal, forest stand improvement, trail building, and, after Helene, trail and land clearing and erosion control. Over the past ten years, the restoration crew has evolved significantly–from a small crew with a small scope of operations, to a large crew operating out of three trucks and a new UTV for hauling gear and delivering herbicide to large problem areas. 

Helene introduced many opportunities for restoration: bare soil was exposed, and trees were downed and tossed in front of trails. As any local can attest, it was a mess, and habitats needed help. 

At a property that EcoForesters has worked on for years in Yancey County, a debris flow was measured at 4,900 feet long, leaving a long scar down the mountain–rocks tossed aside, the bedrock exposed. There was much work to be done, but the landowner, Russ Oates, was organized, up for the challenge, and had a plan. Thankfully, his house and his tree planting project were left intact from the wicked rain event. 

Hundreds of trees in the path of the debris flow, however, were tossed aside on the steep property, widening the shaded mountain stream into a light brown canyon. The light was let in, creating an opportunity for regrowth, but it was important to act quickly before undesirable species moved in. 

This spring, EcoForesters crews implemented a plan to plant different species of rye grass on the exposed dirt, controlling erosion and getting a base layer of vegetation down. All of the soil was covered in seed, all the way to the steep, rocky top of the flow. This winter, hundreds of oaks and hickories will be planted, replacing the trees lost and hopefully restoring the habitat.

In Fairview, a similar situation unfolded at a rich cove forest property. EcoForesters’ crews had been treating the steep property for years and had made great headway, with hardly any invasives remaining. But Helene caused several moderate debris flows that exposed the dirt. 

After an assessment and mapping of the problem areas, the strategy decided upon was to cover the debris flows in eco-friendly Coir matting, an erosion control solution that is made from coconut husks. The mats resemble cargo nets and are staked into the earth, where they are covered in seeds and biodegrade over the years. Installing the matting turned the bare earth patches, susceptible to more erosion and invasive infestation, into a stakehold of desirable plants that will re-stabilize the slope. 

One year after the devastation of Helene, the challenges are still unfolding, and the aftermath is still being studied. EcoForesters is committed to evolving and facing these challenges.

Forestry: Right Here, Right Now

lauren on November 3, 2025

We are at a very unique place and point in time in western NC post-Helene. 800,000 acres of forest were damaged by the hurricane, and we are just now beginning the long recovery process for our natural areas. Since the storm, EcoForesters staff has been working with landowners to assess and address restoration challenges–both new and old. Our forests were already facing ongoing challenges like development, unsustainable logging, fire suppression, lack of oak regeneration, and climate change. Now, with the forest damage wreaked by Helene, all of these obstacles are harder to surmount. At the same time, the government agencies tasked with funding and overseeing the programs to support this restoration are dealing with major restructuring as well as reductions in staff and/or funding.

We must value and properly resource these agencies managing this essential work, not just further burden them–especially here and now. Final assessments are still being done on the impact Helene had on our forests, not to mention our waterways. We have large areas of bare soil needing stabilization and revegetation before they erode further or are overtaken by non-native invasive plants that rapidly infest disturbed areas. Similarly, in the middle of woods where trees were felled or uprooted, invasives will quickly capture the new growing space, outcompeting and even killing native trees trying to regenerate.  

Yet there will also be opportunities as forests regrow. Early successional (i.e., young) forests were an underrepresented habitat type that many animals needed. Due to Helene, we now have plenty of regrowing forests, and we can make them better for wildlife and humans. We can have a hand in shaping our new young forests by selecting the most desirable trees to favor (like oaks, which are the keystone species for wildlife, well-adapted to climate change, fire-tolerant, and a very valuable timber tree) to create a more diverse and resilient future forest to withstand more severe weather and potential wildfires.

However, with all the forest damage, we need to first re-establish access to our woods so we can do the necessary work to restore them. Without re-opening blocked forest roads and clearing some of the downed wood, we can’t stop wildfires from spreading, control invasive plants, tend the young forest, or plant where needed. 

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) is the main funding mechanism to allow us to regain access to do the forest restoration work. Government agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the NC Forest Service bear the responsibility of funding and leading most of the above work, which will likely go on for at least a decade. Agencies and programs like the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Landscape Scale Restoration Program have always provided funding to help farmers and forestland owners improve their lands for the public benefits they provide: from clean air and water, to carbon storage, to wildlife habitat, to products and simple beauty. As short-term emergency response programs like FEMA and EFRP go away, ongoing support for and from the agencies and programs that have always provided the ability to fund this expensive and time-sensitive work will be even more essential. Therefore, it is essential right now that in areas impacted by Helene these federal and state funds and agency staff are not cut, but sustained and bolstered to see the recovery through.

Continued public support for government funding to at least maintain these agencies locally and help from regional forestry and environmental organizations will be needed to offset the extensive costs of regaining access to and restoring our natural areas. Local foundations and donors like the Community Foundation for Western NC have stepped up funding to help meet this ongoing need. There is also a need for more companies that can do the needed wood removal (i.e., loggers) and markets to sell this valuable commodity to–both of which have been in steady decline. Furthermore, we need more people trained in invasive plant control and other forest improvement work.  

With a concerted, sustained collaborative effort of government, private funders, non-profits, forest workers, and forest landowners, Helene-impacted forests can come back even healthier, stronger, and more diverse. But it will take an investment of significant resources here, now, and for the next decade into the public, non-profit, and private forestry sectors.

CHALLENGES FACING FUNDING FORESTRY

Funding has always been one of the biggest hurdles facing forest restoration, with barriers to funding increasing in the last few years. The loss of federal support to agencies such as the USDA limits available programs for forest landowners, thinning their ability to pay for planning and stewardship. The NC Forest Service is currently dealing with position vacancies, adding to the work of their current staff and reducing work capacity. Local forest product markets have also diminished, particularly with the closure of the Canton paper mill in 2023. Though other markets are emerging (such as carbon and biochar), the need for funding is much more immediate. 

The unforeseen damage and associated costs from Helene have exacerbated this need. Downed trees have created a great loss of future timber revenue for many forest owners, and the window to salvage timber is quickly closing (with few professionals available to conduct a salvage harvest). These downed trees have also created the perfect opportunity for non-native invasive species to spread. Proper treatment of these infestations, along with forest stand improvement work to encourage regeneration of desirable tree species, will be essential in promoting forest health and resilience. It is crucial that we continue to find ways to fund this necessary work and reduce the financial burden placed on rural forest owners. 

Rebuilding Nature

lauren on November 3, 2025

By: Drake Fowler – NC Arboretum Executive Director

As the Executive Director of the North Carolina Arboretum, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024. The storm brought down over 10,000 trees and caused significant ecological disruption across our beloved 434-acre garden and conservation site nestled within Pisgah National Forest. The extensive damage led to prolonged trail closures and a sharp decline in visitor numbers. However, even in the face of such devastation, we found hope and resilience through collaboration.

In response to the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, we launched a comprehensive recovery initiative that brought together our dedicated Arboretum staff, federal agencies, academic experts, nonprofit organizations, and, most importantly, EcoForesters. This collaborative approach has been vital in developing a reforestation and site restoration plan aimed at revitalizing the damaged areas of the Arboretum.

Utilizing advanced technologies such as aerial drone footage and NDVI satellite imagery, we identified eight priority zones for restoration. Each zone was thoroughly evaluated for its unique site conditions and ecological significance. The expertise of EcoForesters proved invaluable in this process; their specialized knowledge in sustainable forestry practices and ecological restoration provided us with essential guidance on species selection, management strategies, and restoration techniques tailored to the specific needs of each zone.

Our plan emphasizes the selection of native species, sustainable landscape design, and community involvement. We believe that the restoration process should not only heal the land but also engage the public in ecological stewardship. The collaborative nature of this initiative has been a cornerstone of our success. We hope to bring the final plan to the public on Arbor Day 2026, along with workshops and talks that further define aspects of the plan. 

The journey began with a kickoff meeting in January 2025, where we gathered to discuss our initial steps for recovery. With drone footage revealing the extent of the damage and satellite maps illustrating the landscape before and after the hurricane, we set out to create a comprehensive forest restoration plan. This plan will consider ecological factors, aesthetics, and educational opportunities, all of which are integral to our mission.

As we progressed, it became clear that each impacted area required tailored goals. For instance, while the entrance area of the Arboretum focused on aesthetics, other zones prioritized ecological restoration and biodiversity. EcoForesters played a significant role in this adaptive decision-making process, providing insights on how different tree species would thrive in specific conditions and effective strategies for managing invasive species. These goals will guide EcoForesters as they compose the final forestry plan. 

This case study serves as a model for storm recovery and ecological restoration in public green spaces across the Southeastern U.S. The collaborative spirit we’ve fostered demonstrates the power of community engagement in ecological restoration. With ongoing monitoring and additional projects on the horizon, the North Carolina Arboretum is poised to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.

As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our mission to connect people with plants, foster environmental education, and promote sustainable development. Our partnership with EcoForesters exemplifies the importance of expert knowledge in nurturing the land back to health. Together, we are not just restoring our Arboretum; we are setting a standard for resilience and ecological stewardship that will benefit generations to come.

Building Community Resilience

lauren on November 3, 2025

There is no doubt that Helene was destructive to our region and disruptive to our lives. Yet, in the weeks following the storm, it also called forth an incredible sense of community, spurring our drive to help those in need. Residents outside of WNC poured in to help in relief and recovery efforts, giving us hope that not all was lost. Neighbors banded together to share resources and care for one another, leaning on those nearby to get through the worst of times.

The residents of Bull Creek Valley are a model example of these community bonds. Located in East Buncombe County, this area was one of the hardest hit in the storm, with thousands of acres of forests decimated and access to the community washed out. With no ability to reach outside help, neighbors came together to respond to the storm. In just two days, they had set up a community kitchen and a medical triage team in a neighbor’s barn and had organized regular safety checks. They were even meeting daily for potluck lunches, sharing experiences and consolation. Dr. Laura Lengnick, a member of the Bull Creek Valley neighborhood, stated in an interview with the Practicing Gospel podcast, “We didn’t have a plan, we didn’t know what we were doing, so we were inventing along the way. We had a lot of really talented people bringing lots of different skills, and we figured it out.” By leveraging the strengths of each member, they had formed their own disaster response team, weathering the storm’s aftermath together.

As the members of Bull Creek Valley settled into this new reality, they began the process of better understanding what their neighborhood and individuals needed. To do this, they conducted a survey, coming away with four priorities: clean up, debris removal and use, non-native invasive plant removal, and wildfire preparation. By collaborating with local organizations, the neighborhood conducted multiple “Learning in Community” sessions, teaching residents how to address these issues with their own abilities. In Bull Creek and beyond, Helene had called attention to persistent forestry issues that were worsened by storm damage. Non-native invasive species, in particular, were prepared to take advantage of new light in disturbed areas, and the Bull Creek members had identified NNIS control as a major concern. In May, EcoForesters participated in their invasives-focused community learning session, giving participants a hands-on demonstration of proper treatment techniques and equipping them with the skills needed for continued restoration work. 

One year after the storm, Bull Creek Valley residents are still regularly coming together–even forming new initiatives like a community garden. Though the neighborhood’s organization after Helene was inspiring, Dr. Lengnick poses the question–”If we’d had a plan, how much easier [would all of this] have been?” To build resilience within our communities, we must maintain these neighborhood bonds and be proactive in our disaster response. Creating a plan for future weather events, forming an NNIS control (or natural resource) committee to organize work days, and finding ways to continue meeting–all of these actions will strengthen our responses to future events, and the WNC community as a whole.

Adaptation After Helene

lauren on October 16, 2025

We have all learned a great deal about surviving and adapting. Going without running water for 30+ days made everyone stop and consider basic needs that had been taken for granted. As people were accounted for and safety assured, we began to adapt to the new normal for our careers and the natural environment. Since the storm, there continues to be a greater awareness and concern for forests and streams. There wasn’t necessarily a lack of awareness prior to Helene–but like other basic needs, we often take our natural resources for granted, thinking little about what it takes to maintain them. A year in, we have learned much in our continued search for solutions.

The amount of trees on the ground is astonishing. Daily commutes reveal the challenges facing landowners with downed trees in hard-to-access areas. This past spring put lipstick on the pig of jumbled timber, but leaf off will reveal what we already know: there is an unusual amount of timber on the ground that will impact forestry decisions for the next decade. So, what should we do about it?

ACCESS

You cannot assess damage or work in an area that you can’t get to. This includes old logging roads and trails that are normal vectors for non-native invasive species. Opening these areas will improve fire breaks and allow professionals to properly care for disturbed areas. Though thousands of acres will simply let nature heal over time, consideration should be given to the amount of fuel on the ground and the impacts on regeneration.

INVASIVES RESPONSE

New plants and trees will quickly take over this new growing space. Those best adapted for growing quickly will win, unless we play favorites. Invasive plants and trees provide little benefit for wildlife and can quickly reduce biodiversity. Many will need to be tolerated as there is just too much. However, we can focus on those most dangerous to forests, like Bittersweet, which can strangle and topple trees. If you have trees down, being aware of what else is there puts you on the proper path.

REGENERATION

What comes back? After the demise of the American Chestnut (25% of the canopy), species that were well represented took advantage of the new space. Similarly, what comes back now will depend on what is there now. Planning is needed to account for the difficulties regenerating oaks and the impact of having thousands of downed trees in productive forests. In areas of extreme disturbance and landslides, getting new plants established is paramount.

Each season will provide more data on future forest health. Our goal is to continue our assessment of the region’s forests and adapt to improve forest resilience. We anticipate the recovery of our forests from Helene to define the next ten years of EcoForesters’ work. Education is a core value of our mission, so sharing our findings with the public will continue. Please reach out to us if we can help you plan and adapt for your future forest.

UPCOMING FUNDING: NC DISASTER BLOCK GRANT FOR HELENE TIMBER LOSSES

A new program is being developed by the NC Forest Service that will help private landowners who experienced timber losses from Helene. Forest owners who had more than 25% of merchantable trees (defined as >12″ in diameter) damaged on at least 10 acres can receive partial compensation for lost timber value. In order to get funds approved, a forester must assess the property. More details about this program, including which landowners qualify, should be released by the end of the year. EcoForesters will continue to update landowners as more information becomes available.