Annual Events
MSU's SAF Student Chapter/Forestry Club holds several annual events. Members and interested students are welcome to attend these events. Check the calendar of events for the dates of these events
Annual Forestry Department Summer Program Cookout
Although this is a Forestry Department event, SAF Student Chapter/Forestry Club members take opportunity of this cookout to solicit and meet new members. The cookout is generally held in July. The goal for this summer event is to expose forestry students to the benefits of being a chapter member. The chapter provides free food and beverages. Current members organize the event set up, cooking, and clean up.
Fall Field Day
Fall Field Day is held in October at Dorman Lake. A competition is held where students participate in several field events and are eligible for cash prizes. After the competition, SAF Student Chapter/Forestry Club members have a cookout.
Spring Field Day
This event is held at Dorman Lake in early spring. It is designed to allow SAF Student Chapter/Forestry Club members to practice for the upcoming Annual Forestry Schools Conclave. A cookout usually follows the events.
Southern Forestry Schools Annual Conclave
Each year, a southern forestry school sponsors this major SAF event. Members of the MSU SAF Student Chapter/Forestry Club attend and enter both technical and physical events. This event is usually held in mid-March to early April. Conclave 2004 was held at the Biennial Midsouth Forestry Equipment Show site in the John W. Starr Memorial Forest from March 25th to March 28th, 2004. Click on the link to view media clips (courtesy of WCBI and WTVA) amd more from the 47th A.S.F.C Annual Conclave.
Wood Magic Science Fair
Give brief Description. Chapter members assist in touring third grade kids and serving meals. Our members also help with setting up and closing up the fair.
Biennial Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show
This is our Chapter’s biggest fund raising events. The chapter sells food, beverages, T-shirts, hats, raffle tickets, and other items at this event.
MSU College of Forest Resources Welcome Back Barbeque
Members help with setting up and cleaning up this event.
Dorman Lake Nature Trail Maintenance
Chapter members maintain the summer and winter nature trail around Dorman Lake.
Adopt-A-Highway
The chapter has been involved in this program since 2001. The chapter is responsible for cleaning up a 2 mile section of Highway 25 south of Starkville. This section includes the Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show site on the College of Forest Resources John Starr Memorial Forest. The Chapter conducts clean up activities four times a year.
Project Learning Tree
PLT uses the forest as a "window" on the world to increase students' understanding of our environment; stimulate students' critical and creative thinking; develop students' ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues; and instill in students the commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment. Each year chapter members visit the Overstreet Elementary School in Starkville and teach third graders about the benefits of trees and wood in our daily lives. In addition, the chapter collaborates with the Mississippi SAF Chapter in Project Learning Tree activities across the Mississippi.
Guest Speakers
The chapter sponsors guest speakers from different sectors for forestry community to discuss aspects of their organizations or on what attributes employers look for in potential employees. In the past, the chapter has had speakers from Weyerhauser, Inc., Georgia-Pacific, Inc., International Paper, Inc., USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Peace Corps, Land Mark Systems, Westervelt Company, and the Florida Division of Forestry.
Sponsorships
Every year, the Chapter has the opportunity to provide a sponsorship or a donation for worthy causes in our community. In the past, the Chapter has sponsored Eagle Scouts and beauty pageant contestants. In addition, the Chapter has made donations to support fire victims, Christmas toys for the needy, and food for the Palmer Home for Children. Currently, we are sponsoring a middle school student to attend the MSU Natural Resource Summer Camp.
Professional Development
Periodically, the chapter supports student interested workshops focusing on their professional development. These workshops have included dinner etiquette, forest taxation, American tree farm certification, and food safety.
National SAF Convention
Each year the Chapter provides support for members to attend the SAF national convention. In addition, the Chapter hosts an exhibit displaying forestry education and research in Mississippi. In 2004, the national convention will be held in Canada. This convention is a great opportunity for students to become exposed to forestry in other parts of the country.
Mississippi Chapter of SAF Annual Meeting
Each year the Chapter provides support for members to attend the Mississippi SAF annual meeting. In addition, the Chapter hosts an exhibit displaying forestry education and research in Mississippi. The annual meeting is a great opportunity for students to network with forestry professionals in Mississippi.
Mississippi Forestry Association Annual Meeting
Each year the Chapter provides support for members to attend the Mississippi Forestry Association Annual Meeting. In addition, the Chapter hosts an exhibit displaying forestry education and research in Mississippi. The annual meeting is a great opportunity for students to network with forestry professionals in Mississippi.
MSU Discovery Day
Twice a year the Chapter hosts an exhibit on forestry education and benefits on being active in student groups at the MSU Discovery Day. The goal of this event is to recruit new students to MSU’s forestry program.
Interested in Joining MSU's SAF Student Chapter/Forestry Club?
Come to one of our meetings or join by filling out the online form at the SAF national site.