Forests & Plants


Matt Reeves, Ecologist

- Ph.D., University of Montana
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- As an ecologist, I study the interaction of climate, plants, and animals in rangelands.
- Ph.D., University of Montana
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- As an ecologist, I study the interaction of climate, plants, and animals in rangelands.


Jeff Prestemon, Research Forester

- Ph.D., University of Wisconsin – Madison
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- As a forester, I research economics and human roles in natural disturbances, such as timing and effects of arson. I also study the effects of international trade policies, including steps to reduce trade in illegal wood.
- Ph.D., University of Wisconsin – Madison
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- As a forester, I research economics and human roles in natural disturbances, such as timing and effects of arson. I also study the effects of international trade policies, including steps to reduce trade in illegal wood.


Leila Pinchot, Restoration Ecologist

- Ph.D., University of Tennessee
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- A restoration ecologist studies how to restore species that have experienced significant population declines. These declines are often caused by nonnative insects or diseases and/or ecosystem damages from human activities.
- Ph.D., University of Tennessee
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- A restoration ecologist studies how to restore species that have experienced significant population declines. These declines are often caused by nonnative insects or diseases and/or ecosystem damages from human activities.


Matthew P. Peters, Ecologist

- M.S., Arizona State University
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- Ecology is the study of the relationships between organisms and their physical surroundings. As an ecologist, I use my background in geography to examine spatial patterns in ecology.
- M.S., Arizona State University
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- Ecology is the study of the relationships between organisms and their physical surroundings. As an ecologist, I use my background in geography to examine spatial patterns in ecology.


David Peter, Plant Ecologist

- Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- A plant ecologist studies the way plants interact with their environment or with other organisms, including other plants.
- Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- A plant ecologist studies the way plants interact with their environment or with other organisms, including other plants.


Kristen A. Pelz, Ecologist

- Ph.D., Colorado State University
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment. I am a plant ecologist.
- Ph.D., Colorado State University
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment. I am a plant ecologist.


John Parrotta, Forest Restoration Ecologist

- Ph.D., Yale University
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- A forest restoration ecologist uses knowledge of forest ecology to develop techniques that restore the biodiversity, structure, and function of forests that have been degraded by human activities.
- Ph.D., Yale University
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- A forest restoration ecologist uses knowledge of forest ecology to develop techniques that restore the biodiversity, structure, and function of forests that have been degraded by human activities.


Sonja Oswalt, Forester

- M.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- A forester studies how trees live and grow, and how they help people and animals.
- M.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- A forester studies how trees live and grow, and how they help people and animals.


Christopher Oswalt, Forest Ecologist & Silviculturist

- Ph.D., University of Tennessee
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- As a forest ecologist and silviculturist, I study patterns among the diverse processes and plants within forest ecosystems, as well as the impact of humans on those ecosystems. I also find interesting ways to share forest-related information with others.
- Ph.D., University of Tennessee
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- As a forest ecologist and silviculturist, I study patterns among the diverse processes and plants within forest ecosystems, as well as the impact of humans on those ecosystems. I also find interesting ways to share forest-related information with others.


Malcolm North, Forest Ecologist

- Ph.D., University of Washington
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- A forest ecologist studies the structure, composition, and processes that interact in a forest to provide different habitats for plants and animals.
- Ph.D., University of Washington
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- A forest ecologist studies the structure, composition, and processes that interact in a forest to provide different habitats for plants and animals.