Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources hosted an open house to showcase its programs and projects this week. The event, which took place on Tuesday, was open to the university community, community colleges, area high schools, and the public and recognized current students’ achievements and exhibits to inform potential students about the college’s areas of study. Chuck Leavell, a forester and conservationist friend of the college who is also the keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, was on hand to sign his book during the afternoon.
The showcase featured department displays, academic programs and majors, research posters, and student clubs, with faculty and students in attendance who spoke personally to potential candidates about what the college offers.
Paul Winistorfer, dean of the College of Natural Resources said, “The purpose of this new event is to let area high school and community college students, as well as those with undeclared majors or not yet affiliated with another college at Virginia Tech, learn about the college and the many careers they can have in sustaining natural resources, the environment, and the planet for our future. We cross many boundaries, with business, computer and technology, education, engineering, international development, the hard sciences, and preparation for professional schools such as law and medicine all intertwined with our programs.”
Leavell spent the day at the showcase and was available to sign his book, “Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest.” Not only has the famous musician played keyboard for Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band, The Indigo Girls, Blues Traveler, Train, Montgomery Gentry, Lee Ann Womack, and many others, but he is also a long-time tree farmer and co-founder of “The Mother Nature Network,” the number one most visited independent environmental website in the world. Leavell has become a respected authority on forestry and conservation. His book is in its second printing in the United States and has been translated and released in Germany and Austria.
Leavell and his wife were given the ultimate honor for their outstanding management of their pine forest, Charlane Plantation, in Macon, Ga., by being named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year in 1999. He is also the author of the acclaimed book “Between Rock and a Home Place,” which discusses his passion for forestry and the environment, and a children’s book, “The Tree Farmer,” which is illustrated by Rebecca Bleau and has won several top awards, including the Growing Good Kids Award, the Media Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation, and a special Book of the Year Award from the American Farm Bureau. “My family, trees, and music are my passions,” he explained.
Winistorfer noted, “This is an extraordinary opportunity for our campus to host Chuck Leavell.”
By Lynn Davis [email protected]