Old-Growth Forests in Ohio: Lessons for Forest Stewardship in a Changing Environment

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Program Overview

Ohio is (still) home to old-growth forests anchor biodiversity, store carbon, and sustain natural ecosystem services. These forests shape soil health, influence water cycles, and provide critical habitat for species such as songbirds whose assemblages depend on complex forest structures. Yet centuries of human activity have left only scattered remnants, challenging us to rethink what the words “wild” and "old-growth" practically mean today. What does "ecological integrity" truly mean in a changing landscape where it is increasingly difficult to ignore human impact?

This Environmental Professionals Network panel will identify the core scientific facts about the importance and impact of old-growth forests—both globally and within Ohio—and examine strategies for reversing forest conversion to recover the ecosystem services these forests provide. We will explore how diverse stakeholders—non-profits, government agencies, municipalities, land trusts, and citizens—can collaborate effectively to protect remaining old-growth stands, and how to navigate competing land-use interests that often complicate forest management. Beyond policy and science, the discussion will focus on building informed, engaged communities: empowering environmental professionals and residents to learn about these forests and take meaningful action to conserve them for future generations.

Join us for a conversation that blends ecological insight with collaborative vision, inspiring a shared commitment to Ohio’s most enduring forests.

Agenda

7:15 a.m. Doors open at Ohio State 4-H Center; Coffee served for in-person attendees.  

7:40 a.m. Breakfast buffet served for in-person attendees.  

8:00 a.m. Livestreaming service begins for virtual attendees. Tim Haab, PhD, Director, OSU School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR), provides welcome remarks.

8:05 a.m. SENR Student Ambassador outlines the event themes.

8:10 a.m.: A series of presentations on the ecological and social factors that determine success or failure in the management of Ohio's old-growth forests, and how we can move forward together, by:

• Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Old-Growth Forest Network
• Simon Power, PhD, Visiting Assistant Professor, SENR (OSU)
• ...and more (stay tuned)!

9:00 a.m. In-person and virtual audience Q&A session.

9:25 a.m. Joe Campbell, PhD, Senior Lecturer, OSU School of Environment and Natural Resources, concludes the breakfast portion of the event. Livestreaming service concludes for virtual attendees.

Speakers

Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Old-Growth Forest Network

In his role with the Old-Growth Forest Network, Brian leads efforts to identify and protect publicly accessible old-growth forests across seven mid-Atlantic states, working with forest managers, land conservancies, volunteers, and partner organizations to advance conservation goals. Before joining the Network, he practiced for 25 years a landscape architect focused on sustainable design and cultural landscapes. He also served as sustainability director at a three campus independent school in Virginia where he reduced its carbon emissions by 42% and earned it national recognition. Brian has served as full time faculty member at Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland and holds a Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Urban & Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia.  

Simon Power, PhD, Visiting Assistant Professor, School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University

Dr. Simon Power has published extensively on topics including forest canopy dynamics, phosphorus acquisition strategies in fire-prone environments, and restoration impacts on soil health and species composition. His recent work spans oak-hickory forest management, peatland recovery after wildfire, and disturbance-driven changes in ecosystem function. His research also focuses on how fire, grazing, and nutrient limitations shape vegetation dynamics and resilience, with applications for forest conservation and restoration. At Ohio State, he teaches courses on forest ecosystems, woody plant identification, and restoration ecology. Simon holds a PhD in Botany/Plant Biology, an MS and BS in Botany, and a BS in Biodiversity and Evolution, all from the University of Cape Town (South Africa).

Additional Information 

We strive to host events that are inclusive and accessible to everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodations to fully participate in this activity, please reach out to Hallie Stelzle, EPN Program Assistant (stelzle.2@osu.edu). Requests made five business days in advance will generally allow us to provide seamless access. However, we will make every effort to meet requests made after this time frame. You will be contacted by someone from our staff to discuss your specific needs.