In the News: SU Ag Center

Kamran K. Abdollahi, professor urban forestry, by invitation, provided recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on urban forestry program education, research, and extension activities dealing with catastrophic events and the urban forests in the Gulf Coastal areas. This testimony took place in Biloxi Convention Center on June 6 and was on a nationwide Web cast. In addition, the testimony was recorded for a production by the Louisiana Public Broadcasting Network.

This groundbreaking public forum took place because the National Urban Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) to the United States secretary of agriculture wanted to hear directly from people and communities where urban forests have been hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina in the gulf region, ice storms in the Midwest, and tornados, and other devastating storm events. The NUCFAC is using this public input to develop a recommendation to help address this national issue.

James McNitt, professor of animal science, made an invited presentation entitled "What is Our Future" at the 19th Hungarian Rabbit Days at the University of Kaposvár, Kaposvár, Hungary, on May 23.

Yadong Qi, professor of urban forestry, was invited by the College Board to serve as an advanced placement reader at the 2007 College Board Advanced Placement Program AP Environmental Science Reading at University of Lincoln, Nebraska, June 1-9.

This activity gave Qi an opportunity to interact with environmental science educators at the high school and college levels nationwide, discussing teaching methods and strategies, participating in AP Environmental Science course development and evaluation, and developing a network of professionals in environmental education. The information and knowledge gained from this service enhances the Southern University Ag Center's capability to reach out to the high schools in our area and provide better service in environmental education.

Yemane Ghebreiyessus, professor, plant science, led a team of Southern University Ag Center staff in establishing a community garden at the Lighthouse Mission for the homeless in Opelousas. This project increases the esteem of the clientele and can serve as a possible income source for the shelter.

Professors of plant science Mila Berhane and Owusu Bandele, and Ron Nicholas Sr., county agent, assisted in the project. The Ag Center assisted Eva Iford in establishing a second community garden named "First Harvest." The Ag Center team also assisted Chris Adams in establishing the EarthShare Community Garden in Lafayette.

The community gardens were featured in a tour conducted by the SU Ag Center on June 30.