The unit consists of eleven employees spread out over two locations: eight in Athens, Georgia and three in Gainesville, Florida. Our research program focuses on improving our understanding of how people living in rural, interface, and urban landscapes influence—and are influenced by—the natural environment and ecology of the South.
The unit also consists of a science delivery center called Urban Forestry South, which addresses issues such urban forest management, children and nature connection, tree health, tree biology, health benefits of urban forest ecosystems, and more. This center is jointly funded by SRS and Region 8. Learn more about us →
View our Unit Charter document →
News & Events
Harvest ramps responsibly to enjoy for many years to come
People may refer to them as wild leeks or ramps, but the pungent smelling native plant’s scientific name is Allium tricoccum. Ramps have been described as a cross between a green onion and garlic and have been a culturally important flavoring for food for centuries. According to Michelle Baumflek, research biologist for the Forest Service’s Southern Research Station in Asheville, ramps are sought after by chefs all over the United States.
Latest Publications
- An ecosystem services-centric land use and land cover classification for a subbasin of the Tampa Bay Watershed
Lagrosa, John J.; Zipperer, Wayne C.; Andreu, Michael G. - Exploring transiency in four urban forest patch neighborhoods: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Johnson Gaither, Cassandra; Cross, Denzell A.; Dobbs, G. Rebecca. - Managing culturally significant plants in Cherokee homelands: emerging platforms
Baumflek, M., Cabe, T., Schelhas, J., and Dunlavey, M. - Beyond the math: Case studies of Black forest landowners in Georgia, United States
Hitchner, Sarah; Goyke, Noah; Thomas, Marc; Schelhas, John; Dwivedi, Puneet. - Understanding black landowner’s engagement in forestry in Georgia, United States: a closer look
Schelhas, John; Hitchner, Sarah; Dwivedi, Puneet; Thomas, Marc.
Featured Publications
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“Where the sidewalk ends”: sustainable mobility in Atlanta’s Cascade community
Johnson Gaither, Cassandra; Himmelfarb, David; Hitchner, Sarah; Schelhas, John; Shepherd, J. Marshall; K.C., Binita -
Engaging African American landowners in sustainable forest management
Schelhas, John; Hitchner, Sarah; Johnson Gaither, Cassandra; Fraser, Rory; Jennings, Viniece; Diop, Amadou
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Socioecological disparities in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina
Lewis, Joshua A.; Zipperer, Wayne C.; Ernstson, Henrik; Bernik, Brittany; Hazen, Rebecca; Elmqvist, Thomas; Blum, Michael J.
Latest Video
Environmental Justice and Atlanta’s Urban Forest
Seminar presented by Dr. Cassandra Johnson Gaither and Eric Kuehler at Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia.
Latest Podcast
Science of the Seasons: Recreation
July 10, 2017
Mike Bowker and others examine trends in outdoor recreation and the future of recreation on National Forests.
Related publication: Outlook for outdoor recreation in the northern United States