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Habitat Summit

Home Habitat Summit

Event Details

October 8, 2025 | Uwharrie National Forest

The Habitat Summit is a one-day, multi-session workshop where national experts share the latest land management techniques. Whether you’re managing your land for pollinators, timber, or game species, this is your one-stop shop to connect with the experts.

Continuing Education Credits Available

Continuing Education Credits Available

Forestry CFES  

  • Category 1: 5.5 hrs

Pesticide Credits

  • G: 5.0 hrs
  • N: 5.0 hrs
  • D: 5.0 hrs
  • X: 5.0 hrs

The Wildlife Society

  • Category 1: 6.5 CEUs
Opening Session

Keynote: Dr. Marcus Lashley (University of Florida)

Topic: Managing Habitat to Increase Turkey Productivity 

Speaker: Luke Resop (Mississippi State University)

Topic: Using Fire Season to Manage Deer Habitat: Research Highlights and Management Implications

Speaker: Dr. Heather Alexander (Auburn University)

Topic: Drivers of Mesophication in Oak Landscapes and Implications for Fire Management

Speaker: Dr. David Coyle (Clemson University) 

Topic: Can you Kill it with Fire? Invasive Plant Management Strategies in the Southeast

Speaker: Dr. Chris Moorman (NC State University) 

Topic: Fire Effects on Wildlife: Severity, Season, and Frequency of Fire

Speaker: Jake McClain (Quail Forever SC State Coordinator)

Topic: Faulty Perception: Restoring a Comprehensive Vision of Habitat

Speaker: Jeremy Kessinger (Resource Wise) 

Topic: Timber Markets: Where we are at today and what may the future hold?

Speaker: Jordan Nanney (Compass South Forestry)

Topic: Integrating Silviculture and Habitat Management in North Carolina Forests

Speaker: Curtis Smalling (Audubon North Carolina) 

Topic: Birds Like Your Forest – Let’s Make Them Love It!

Speaker: Thomas Crate (NC State Parks) 

Topic: Fire Weather Tips for Prescribed Fire Practitioners

Speaker: Bonner Powell (Mississippi Department of Wildlife) 

Topic: Restoring and Managing Native Early Successional Plant Communities in the Eastern United States 

Speaker: Emily Callicutt (Three Rivers Land Trust) 

Topic: Leaving a Legacy – An Introduction to Conservation Easements

Speaker: Mikah Carver-McGinn (NC State University) 

Topic: From Forest to City – How Urbanization Shapes Deer Movement and Survival

Click here to view the presentations from Habitat Summit 2025. These are password protected for those who attended the event.

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Event Photos

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Playlist

1 Videos

2026 Habitat Summit Speakers

William Gulsby
Dr. William Gulsby

Auburn University

bio
Moriah Boggess
Moriah Boggess

Wildlife Investments

bio
Austin-Heine.png
Austin Heine

ArborGen

bio
Plumpton headshot
Hannah Plumpton

NC Wildlife Resources Commission

bio
maya-lapp-fire-headshot
Maya Lapp

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

bio
Emily-Callicutt-1-1
Emily Callicutt

Three Rivers Land Trust

bio
Jeremy Kessinger
Jeremy Kessinger

Resource Wise

bio & Abstract
Nanney
Jordan Nanney

Compass South Forestry

bio & Abstract
Curtis Smalling
Curtis Smalling

Audubon North Carolina

bio & Abstract
Thomas Crate
Thomas Crate

NC State Parks

bio & abstract
Bonner Powell
Bonner Powell

Mississippi DWFP

bio & abstract
TRLT-Habitat-Summit-2024-188 Medium
Emily Callicutt

Three Rivers Land Trust

bio & Abstract
Carver-McGinn
Mikah Carver-McGinn

NC State University

bio & Abstract

...And More to Come!

2026 Habitat Summit Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Habitat Sponsors

Dr. William Gulsby

Auburn University

Bio: Dr. William Gulsby is an Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at Auburn University. Dr. Gulsby received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Wildlife from the University of Georgia. Dr. Gulsby has conducted research on coyote predation on deer across several states.

Moriah Boggess

Wildlife Investments

Bio: Moriah Boggess is a deer biologist and habitat management specialist with more than a decade of land management experience across the Southeast and Midwest. His background combines research in deer ecology and forest management with practical, on-the-ground experience improving wildlife habitat on private lands.

During his master’s research, Moriah studied deer herbivory in upland forests and the effects of prescribed fire on acorn consumption. He later served in statewide Deer Biologist roles for both North Carolina and Indiana, where he worked closely with landowners and agencies to better understand and manage deer populations and the habitats they depend on.

Austin Heine

ArborGen

Bio: Austin Heine serves as the Reforestation Advisor for North Carolina and Virginia, working directly with landowners to help them successfully reforest their properties and achieve their long-term management goals. Prior to this role, he spent eight years with the NC State Tree Improvement Cooperative, where he gained extensive experience in tree genetics, forestry research, and seedling development.

Austin specializes in guiding landowners through every step of the reforestation process—from selecting the appropriate seedlings and genetics to determining the best site preparation methods based on soil type and site conditions. His expertise helps ensure landowners choose the most suitable stock and strategies for establishing productive, healthy forests.

Austin holds a B.S. in Forest Management and an M.S. in Forestry from North Carolina State University and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Forestry at NC State, where his research focuses on improving seed yields for mass control pollinated loblolly pine. By combining his background in forestry, genetics, and tree improvement with hands-on field experience, Austin works closely with landowners to support successful reforestation efforts across the region.

Hannah Plumpton

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Bio: Hannah Plumpton is the Upland Game Bird Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. An expert in wild turkey biology and management, Hannah oversees statewide surveys and research projects aimed at sustaining North Carolina’s upland game populations.

Maya Lapp

University of Tennessee

Bio: Maya Lapp is a Master’s student working under the direction of Dr. Craig Harper at the University of Tennessee. She is investigating the effects of fire timing on plant communities in woodlands and savannas across the southeastern US. Her research results have direct implications to applying prescribed fire more precisely to reach management objectives. Maya is working to help landowners gain a better understanding and confidence in their use of prescribed fire to restore plant communities and improve their land for wildlife use.  

Emily Callicutt

Three Rivers Land Trust

Abstract: Emily’s presentation will discuss the conservation options available to private landowners. Topics include donated conservation easements, purchased conservation easements, property acquisition, and conservation land donations. Conservation options for farm and forest land will be discussed in detail. 

Bio: Emily began working for Three Rivers Land Trust in February 2021. She attended North Carolina State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology in the spring of 2020. Emily graduated from Clemson University with a Masters degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Management in December of 2023. She is also a Certified Associate Wildlife Biologist. Before coming to the Land Trust, she worked on wildlife management projects for private companies and managed the hunting program on a wildlife refuge. As a Montgomery County native, Emily is passionate about conserving the natural lands she has been able to enjoy in the region. In her spare time, Emily is an avid birder and also enjoys hiking, paddling, and baking.

Jeremy Kessinger

Resource Wise

Abstract: Kessinger’s discussion will focus on current pine markets of the Carolinas including pine fiber. There will be a specific focus on current trends, predicted trends, and emerging markets across the South.

Bio: With 28 years in Timberland Investment Management Organizations (TIMOs), Jeremy Kessinger combines land management expertise with business acumen to optimize operations and profitability. At ResourceWise, he supports customers through service, training, and helping identify additional solutions, while actively contributing to product development as the voice of the customer. Previously, Kessinger served as Regional and Area Manager at Greenwood Resources, leading teams across seven states and driving income growth, land sales, and long-term planning. He also held roles with Hancock Forest Management and Resource Management Service.  Kessinger holds a B.S. in Forestry and Wildlife Management from Virginia Tech and is a registered forester in SC, NC, and AL.

Jordan Nanney

Compass South Forestry

Abstract: Over 60% of North Carolina’s land base is comprised of forestland which accounts for more than 18.7 million forested acres (83% private, 17% public). Decisions made when managing (or not managing) forests directly influence habitat quality for wildlife species. Traditional silviculture practices offer notable benefits to many wildlife species, but those benefits are often short-lived and generally result in moderate increases in habitat quality for wildlife species associated with forest disturbance. The most popular game species in North Carolina are white-tailed deer followed by wild turkey and small game species such as rabbits and quail. These species collectively benefit from forest disturbance and require the resulting vegetative characteristics to meet a portion of or all their habitat requirements. Strategic timber harvesting strategies and intermediate forest management practices can be used to integrate silviculture and habitat management on private and public forestlands across North Carolina. I will discuss practical options in hardwood systems and pine systems that will hopefully stimulate ideas for implementation on properties you manage where landowner objectives require considerations for both silviculture and habitat management.

Bio: Jordan grew up in Rutherford County, NC and now serves as Director of Field Operations for Compass South Forestry, LLC. He has worked in several capacities as a wildlife biologist and forester since 2013 helping to manage private forestlands, along with state and federal lands, in the Carolinas and across the Southeast. He received his A.A.S in Fish and Wildlife Management from Haywood Community College then a B.S. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology from NC State University. After graduating from NC State University, Jordan earned his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, where he studied the influences of forest management practices on habitat quality for various wildlife species. He is a NC Registered Forester, Certified Forester® with SAF, and a Certified Wildlife Biologist® with TWS.

Curtis Smalling

Audubon North Carolina

Abstract: Forest and land management can have significant impacts on birds and thinking about what to do, where to do it, and how much of it is needed is a step toward optimizing bird usage on your land, in your neighborhood, and region. We will discuss some of the tenants of songbird management, for a full suite of birds that need our help.

Bio: Curtis is a 1985 magna cum laude graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and in 1996 received a Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies A life-long bird watcher, Curtis began watching birds with his grandfather, who was very interested in Purple Martins. With Audubon NC for more than 23 years, his current position is Vice President and Executive Director. He is a member of several conservation committees including the International Golden-winged Warbler working group (including working on this species and others on their wintering grounds in Nicaragua), chair of the NC State Scientific Council Bird Committee, and a member of the steering committee for the Bird Atlas effort in NC. He has been involved in wind and bird interactions for two decades, including service on NC’s first wind working group and helping draft legislation and model local ordinances regarding wind energy in NC. He is a contributing author or editor for several books, publications, and peer reviewed papers. He resides in Garner, NC with his wife of 42 years, Mary, and has three children and five grandchildren.

Thomas Crate

NC State Parks

Abstract: Are you interested in prescribed fire management? In this 1-hour session we will look at fire weather intelligence products and smoke models to assist in opening more opportunities for prescribed burning. We will look at interpreting weather forecasts, burn plan parameters, and help with the decision process for a GO or NO-GO burn day on borderline days or when faced with smoke challenges.

Bio: Thomas Crate is the Fire Management Officer for North Carolina State Parks. Thomas is responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of fires on state park lands. Thomas is a unit instructor for S-290 Intermediate Fire Behavior, S-390 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations, and a field instructor for the North Carolina Certified Burner Course. Thomas is a North Carolina State Certified Burner and is nationally qualified as a Type 2 Burn Boss. Thomas is a lifetime member of the North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council and former President. 

Bonner Powell

Mississippi DWFP

Abstract: Restoration of nonnative grasslands to native early successional plant communities has been a conservation focus throughout the United States for several decades. Restoration technique and subsequent management greatly influence the resulting plant community. Managers and landowners should consider both restoration technique and management practices available to them to closely meet their objectives.

Bio: Bonner Powell is a graduate of Mississippi State University and the University of Tennessee. He is currently a private lands biologist with Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks in North MS and conducts around 100 private lands site visits annually.

Mikah Carver-McGinn

NC State University

Abstract: Urbanization changes landscapes and the resources available to wildlife, often leading to changes in how individuals acquire food and cover and to reproduction and survival at the population level. We conducted a three-year telemetry study in North Carolina to examine how urbanization influences white-tailed deer movement, resource selection, survival, and causes of mortality including hunting. We will present results for adult male and female deer and for young fawns. Results of the study improve our understanding of deer populations in urban areas and can inform future management decisions as North Carolina continues to urbanize.

Bio: Mikiah Carver-McGinn is a Ph.D. candidate in the Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program at North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on how urbanization affects white-tailed deer ecology, including their movement patterns, resource selection, and mortality risks across urban-rural gradients. She earned her B.S. in Geography and M.S. in Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation from Brigham Young University, where she studied the impact of feral horses on greater sage-grouse populations. 

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