Forests, Field Sites & Research Opportunities
Tuskegee University owns over 5,000 acres of forest land within 15 miles of campus. Forestry students have the opportunity to learn beneath the canopy of long leaf pine, oak-hickory bottoms, and short leaf pine forests. Additionally, the USDA Forest Service (Southern Research Station) has provided indispensable support since the inception of the Forestry Program in 1968. Today, the U.S. Forest Service continues to support the field training of pre-professional foresters by funding research and demonstration sites.
TU Russell Experimental Forest
Formally known as Russell Plantation, TU Experimental Forest boasts over 1700 areas diverse ecosystems, including 600 acres of hardwood wetlands. Tuskegee University Experimental and Demonstration Forest is a full partner in conducting natural resource research, Sustainable Forest Management for Limited Resource Landowners, in partnership with USFS Southern Research Station. The goal of this partnering is to provide a mechanism to support research, education, and outreach that enhances our understanding of forest management alternatives in the greater Macon County, AL area while educating future generations of natural resource managers and scientists. Further, the goal is to fully engage TU faculty, staff, and students in research, education, and outreach as a mechanism to further our understanding of forest management and watershed science for limited resource landowners in the Southern Region.
Camp Atkins
Camp Atkins Ecological Research & Recreation Institute is a 200-acre outdoor field station dedicated to advancing ecological research, environmental education, and community-based recreation across two distinct forest systems: a long leaf pine ecosystem and a hickory-oak dominated upland forest.
As a living laboratory, Camp Atkins provides immersive, hands-on science experiences where K–12 students, university scholars, educators, and community members engage in field research, citizen monitoring, and place-based learning. Instruction integrates forest ecology, wildlife biology, watershed systems, and conservation practice.
Camp Atkins holds deep historical significance. Prior to integration in 1974, it was the only Black Boy Scout camp in the South. The original Carver Chapter established one of the first troops for Black scouts in the region around 1908, serving as the heart of Camp Atkins. Later, the camp welcomed Black troops from across the South at a time when outdoor recreation opportunities for Black youth were limited.
Today, Camp Atkins is recognized as Tuskegee University’s Teaching Forest. Located within the university’s protective boundary, the camp’s long leaf pine and upland hardwood forests continue to provide exceptional opportunities for outdoor education and field instruction.
Forestry student courses and labs historically taught at Camp Atkins include:
- Introduction to Forestry
- Dendrology
- Forest Mensuration (Measurements)
- Silviculture
Tuskegee University seeks to redevelop historic Camp Atkins into a center for education, historical preservation, and recreation to create expanded opportunities for underserved minority communities.
In partnership with the Long leaf Alliance and Georgia Wildlife Federation, the Camp Atkins Conservation Park and Education Center will be established to preserve cultural heritage, protect wildlife and ecological systems, and promote public recreation and education.
Project Aims:
- Habitat Enhancements: Creation of walking and biking trails, wildlife viewing blinds, and habitat improvements for wood ducks and migratory waterfowl.
- Rehabilitation of Structures: Renovation of facilities to include indoor classrooms, specimen preservation labs, restrooms, showers, camping storage, kitchen areas, and restoration of outdoor camping infrastructure.
- Historical Preservation & Recreation: Development of exhibit panels and lecture series archiving the historical and current contributions of minorities in natural resources.
Wildlife Mississippi Grant (NRSC Funded, Spring 2025–2029)
Tuskegee University proudly announces the launch of the Tuskegee University Natural Resource Scholars Program (TUNRSP), a transformative initiative funded by Wildlife Mississippi with $2,000,000 in support from 2025 to 2029. This program is designed to expand diversity in the natural resource sciences by recruiting and training underrepresented students in areas such as forestry, wildlife ecology, and environmental science. Building on Tuskegee’s legacy as a leader in agricultural and environmental education, TUNRSP addresses long-standing barriers to minority participation through a model that integrates academic excellence, experiential learning, and professional development. Students will engage in interdisciplinary coursework, service-learning in Alabama’s Black Belt counties, and research experiences that prepare them for graduate education and leadership in conservation.
Beginning in their freshman year, selected TUNRSP scholars will receive financial support and academic guidance throughout a four-year training pathway. Students will major in Environmental, Natural Resource, and Plant Sciences, participate in hands-on fieldwork, and receive mentorship from faculty and industry professionals. The program includes articulation agreements with institutions such as Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Florida, offering opportunities for dual-degree completion and advanced study. Scholars will also engage in public outreach, service projects, and present their research at national conferences.
Program Highlights:
- Scholarships: Tuition support, academic assistance, conference funding, internships, and personalized mentoring.
- Study Abroad – Tanzania: International coursework in African Wildlife Ecology, conservation, and human-wildlife conflict.
- Field Courses & Training: Summer field camps, GIS training, silviculture, forest mensuration, and environmental sampling.
Through the generous support of Wildlife Mississippi, TUNRSP builds a dynamic pipeline of future leaders in environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management.
Contact: Dr. Brianna Smith | Dr. R. Farid
Urban Forestry Grant (USFS Funded, Fall 2024–2028) (Under reinstatement review)
Tuskegee University CAENS and the Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program (TUCEP) have developed an innovative rural community conservation education model.
The Black Belt Arboretum Project will establish urban forests and edible gardens across the Black Belt region to enhance climate resilience, biodiversity, environmental education, and community health.
Arboretum demonstration sites will host workshops in:
- Organic farming
- Regenerative and sustainable agriculture
- Forest succession
- Water management
- Biodiversity and conservation
- Climate-smart practices
