2026 Central Hardwood Forest Call for Abstracts

Penn State Extension is proud to host the 2026 Central Hardwood Forest Conference March 3-6, 2026, at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, Pennsylvania. This meeting will be focused on sharing the latest forest science about Central Hardwood forests.

The call for presentation abstracts is open to all managers, scientists, and students working in Central Hardwood forests.

Abstracts can be submitted for oral presentations, flash talks, and poster presentations. Oral presentations should be 20 minutes long, with 5 minutes for questions and 5 minutes for transition. Flash talks should be 6 minutes long, with 2 minutes for questions and 2 minutes for transition. The poster session will include a competition for students, with the outstanding student posters receiving a $100 award.

Abstracts are due by December 10^th, 2025 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time).

Session themes include, but are not limited to:

• Adapting to a changing world
• All things oak and hickory
• Artificial regeneration
• Forest health
• First Nations practices
• Hardwood and softwood silviculture
• Invasive species
• Solving regeneration issues
• Silviculture and management for wildlife
• Social science in forest management

How Do I Submit an Abstract?

Abstracts must be submitted online by December 10^th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. Abstracts sent by email will not be considered. Abstracts that are incomplete will not be considered. Presenters are permitted multiple submissions. Decisions on acceptance will be sent by January 15^th.

Presenter Responsibilities

Presenters must register for the conference and deliver presentations in-person. Registration closes on February 16^th at 11:59 pm. Presentation files must be submitted by March 2^nd, 2026, although presenters are encouraged to bring a final copy of their presentation on a flash drive as well. Presenters will receive additional information when their talk is accepted.