Understanding forests is more than just tree identification.  Forests are systems that have an abundant diversity of organisms and functions, which we rely on.  Maren and Jim will discuss the various forest system aspects and provide considerations that may help you in your understanding of forests.

Jim Lieberum has an associate degree in Natural Resources Management from SUNY Morrisville (1992) and a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture from Cornell University (1994). He is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC #2675), a certified trainer for the NYSDEC in the Endorsed 4-Hour Erosion and Sediment Control Course (NYSDE SWT #16) and for the Post Flood Emergency Stream Intervention program. In addition to being the District Manager he is also the County Stormwater Management Officer, Town of Queensbury Stormwater Management Officer and the Warren County Hazard Mitigation Coordinator.

Jim has began at the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District in 1998 and has been District Manager since 2012. His office works on numerous natural resource protection projects that include hazard mitigation, stormwater management, water quality improvement projects, forestry and forest health, wildlife habitat improvements and invasive species management.

Maren Stoddard graduated from the State University of New York (SUNY) Ranger School with an Associate of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation (2015) and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry (2016). Maren began working at the Warren County SWCD in 2017, assisting with resource planning and management throughout Warren County. Maren focuses her work on administering the Erosion and Sediment Control program to help municipalities in stormwater management and guidance. She also works with farmers to address resource concerns, helps with project planning and implementation of projects for water quality protection, works with partners to assist in invasive species management, and teaches many education events on a variety of natural resource topic