Each year, our Annual Conference provides an opportunity for the SFI community -- from landowner to brandowner, from youth to elder -- to come together and learn about new research in conservation; renew partnerships and make new ones; and exchange ideas about how to improve forestry practices for the sake of healthy, thriving forests upon which all of us rely.

Responsible forest management supports harvesting timber, as well as promoting wildlife habitats and animal populations. Managed forests also protect water quality for fish and other freshwater plants and animals while providing recreational opportunities for the public.

The summer of 2013 has been very important for bird conservation.  In June our partners at Bird Studies Canada  helped co-host, with Nature Canada and BirdLife International, the Birdlife World Congress with conservation leaders from over 120 countries.

Are you busy with back-to-school shopping in your household? If so, you will be interested to learn that at Norcom, we have implemented a variety of sustainability programs to help us focus on and measure the impacts of the paper-based school and office products we offer.

Walking through the shade of a forest on a sunny afternoon to explore all it has to offer—what better way to spend a summer day? Phil Riebel from New Brunswick, Canada submitted this incredible photo of an Acadian forest and we thought it was the perfect way to take in the last few days of summer.

Jordan Benner captured this photo of students learning the art of tree estimating during the yearly Envirothon competition in Rediscovery Forest, Silverton, Oregon.

Curtis Wheat from Waxachachie, Texas submitted this great picture highlighting the biodiversity of Texas. We had to share and give a shout out to Texas this week as we get ready for our Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX.

Minnesota tree farmer Dave Medvecky is known for having an uncanny knack for match-making his trees to their final market purpose, be it a specialty woodworked object or a more typical product.

Today is Smokey Bear’s 69th birthday and everyone at SFI couldn’t be more grateful for his work in protecting the forests. We recently got to spend a little time with Smokey at the Boy Scout Jamboree, and here he is with his friend Woodsy Owl on their way to meet the Boy Scouts.

We love this beautiful perspective of Redwoods from Lisa Hauser in Big Sur, CA. It’s photos like this that remind everyone how precious our forests are.

Last week the printer delivered hard copies of our 2013 Annual Progress Report, Writing the Next Chapter, that all our stakeholders should see soon in the mail.

Maine is renowned for its abundant fish and forest resources. The state has 90 percent of the remaining brook trout habitat in the lower 48 states, and has more privately-owned certified forestland than any other state, including seven million acres certified to the SFI standard.

It’s been a great week at the Boy Scouts of America’s 2013 National Jamboree, where SFI is helping thousands of the 35,000 scouts, leaders and family members attending to learn more about sustainable forestry and responsible purchasing of forest products.