This conference is the largest and longest running conference dedicated to fire ecology and management of eastern U.S. oak ecosystems. We gather to share our experiences and learn from experts in fire research and management from across the eastern U.S. and beyond.
This year’s edition, the 8th Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference, was held in Bloomington, Indiana, June 2-4, 2026, and was cohosted by the Oak Woodlands & Forests Fire Consortium and the Consortium of Appalachian Fire Managers and Scientists, along with critical local cooperators, the Sam Shine Foundation, Purdue University, The Nature Conservancy, and the Indiana Prescribed Fire Council. The theme of the conference was “Re-Igniting Fire Ecosystems and Cultures” and featured 22 invited presentations, 12 ‘flash talks’, and 24 poster presentations by managers, scientists, and students from across the U.S. Information in these presentations covered a wide range of topics including: Effects of fire on vegetation, Fire management/science success stories, Effects of fire on wildlife, Fire and culture, Pyrosilviculture, Fire and policy, Fire and technology, Fire trainings. See the final program HERE.
A day-long field tour hosted by the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment (HEE) and The Nature Conservancy provided opportunities to see and further discuss these topics, together in the field.
In all, 210 people attended the conference, coming from 22 different states. These included professionals from state, federal, county, municipal agencies, NGOs, Universities, representatives from Prescribed Burn Associations, and private landowners.
Recordings of the conference presentations can be found HERE.
