The Society of American Foresters

Founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, SAF is the national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the US. Its mission is to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and to use the knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society.

Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University

The Nicholas School of the Environment, then the School of Forestry, was founded by Dean Clarence F. Korstian in 1938 and has offered an accredited MF degree since 1939. Dr. Korstian joined the Duke University faculty in 1931 as the first Duke Forest Manager and set out to create a demonstration and research forest, the Duke Forest.

Duke Student Chapter of SAF

The student chapter facilitates student involvement at the local and national levels by encouraging attendance at SAF conferences and meetings, promoting the forestry at the Nicholas School, and organizing forest-y activities including an annual symposium, community service, and cookouts in Duke Forest.