AFA NEWSROOM - January 23, 2026

Rayonier Supports Alabama Forestry Foundation’s Schoolyard Forests Program

Rayonier’s Phillip Smith recently met with Whit Carroll of the Alabama Forestry Foundation to present a check continuing Rayonier’s support of the Foundation’s Schoolyard Forests program. Rayonier’s 2026 contribution will help expand hands-on environmental education opportunities for students across Alabama. Through this support, the program will continue connecting classrooms to working forests, fostering an understanding of sustainable forestry and the long-term value of natural resources. The Foundation is proud to partner with Rayonier through its Community Partnership Program to strengthen forestry education and community engagement statewide.

AFF's Schoolyard Forest Program

Central Alabama-

Join Us for the First AFA Regional Reception of 2026

March 10th - Auburn Oaks Farm

Join AFA on March 10, 2026, at Auburn Oaks Farm in Notasulga for the 2026 Auburn Area AFA Regional Reception—an evening of food, fellowship, and industry updates with forestry professionals, landowners, loggers, and partners from across the region.

Schedule at a glance:

• 5:00 p.m. – Alabama Loggers Council Capital District Meeting (1 hour PLM CE) - Upstairs in the Loft

• 6:00 p.m. – AFA Regional Reception

Click to Register!

Interested in being a SPONSOR?We would love to have you partner with us! Sign up by using the same registration link below or call 334-481-2135 for more information.

Remodeling Market Sentiment Strengthens in Fourth Quarter of 2025

In the fourth quarter of 2025, the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 64, increasing four points compared to the previous quarter.

Most remodelers are finding reasonably strong market conditions, even with the normal seasonal slowdown during the holidays. The major headwinds the industry is experiencing continue to be rising costs and potential customers hesitating due to policy and economic uncertainty. Demand for remodeling is being supported by an aging housing stock, strong homeowner equity and increasing need for aging-in-place improvements.

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2026 Spotlight: Emerging Carbon Removal Technologies to Watch

As decarbonization strategies mature across energy, industry, and transportation, attention is increasingly shifting beyond emissions reduction alone toward carbon dioxide removal (CDR). While emissions abatement remains essential, most long-term climate pathways now assume a growing role for technologies that can actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.

The challenge is that the CDR market is still forming. Standards are evolving, technologies vary widely in maturity, and a clear gap remains between long-term climate ambition and near-term deployment.

As 2026 approaches, several CDR pathways are beginning to stand out. These technologies are worth close attention as markets, policies, and corporate demand take shape.

Link to Article

AFA Connect

February 19th at 11:00

Join us Thursday, February 19th, at 11 a.m.

Hillary Bryan, Gulf State Park Naturalist

Running Wild: Exploring Gulf State Park’s Habitats, Gopher Tortoise Conservation, and the Habitat Hustle 5K

This presentation highlights Gulf State Park’s ongoing research, habitat management of its scrub and pine savannah ecosystems, gopher tortoise conservation efforts, local school engagement, and the April 11, 2026, inaugural Habitat Hustle 5K.

South West Alabama - Join us in supporting Doug Harwell!

January 27 - 11:00 am

2026 Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Market Outlook

As the aviation sector pushes toward decarbonization targets, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is moving from long‑term ambition to near‑term commercial reality.

Insights from recent industry discussions indicate that the market is entering a pivotal phase in 2026. The climate is defined by growing airline demand, uneven policy support, tightening feedstock availability, and an evolving pricing landscape.

In this post, we break down the primary factors driving the SAF market as we move across the year ahead.

📣 Central Alabama Loggers – Your PLM Opportunity Is Here!

Need your Initial PLM Card? Don’t miss this chance to register for the 1st Initial PLM Class of 2026.

📅 Course Date: February 11, 2026

📍Location: Jemison Municipal Complex Auditorium

💲Early Bird Rate: $125 if you register by Feb 2!

($150 after deadline — No walk-ups allowed)

🔗 Scan the QR code on the graphic or click the link below to register.

Initial PLM Registration

An Urgent Weather Message from ArborGen

From January 23 - January 27, 2026, it is predicted that much of the US Southeast will experience an extreme winter storm, with lower than average temperatures.

Visit our Website

AFF & Partners are Hosting Upcoming Events Across the State

Curious about how Prescribed Fire can enhance the health of your woodlands? The Alabama Forestry Foundation and its partners invite you to register for upcoming Learn & Burn events. Keep checking back - we will be adding more events across the state!

🔥 Hands-on learning

🌿 Expert insights

📍 Multiple locations – more counties coming soon!

Visit our events page to learn more about that county's upcoming Learn & Burn and secure your spot today!

Events Calendar

Online CE Available For PLM & CFE

Still need CFE hours? Check out AFA's online CE Classes available for CFE & PLM credit.... 2025 Bundle (5 Hours) is still available. Click the link below to see all the classes available.

AFA Online Education