THIS PAGE IS BEST DISPLAYED WITH A HTML5 BROWSER
We're tasked by the state with responding to wildfires. We study weather patterns, drought cycles and the status of vegetation across the state to predict when and where dangerous fire conditions may occur. Should a wildfire ignite, we maintain a statewide network of strategically-placed teams of firefighters and equipment so that we're able to respond quickly when the call comes.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and almost entirely with volunteers. We help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment and help Texans learn how to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
With roughly 94 percent of forestland in Texas privately owned, the trees, forests—and the benefits they provide - rests in the hands of thousands of Texans. While keeping the entire state's forested landscape in mind, we inform and educate landowners on sustainable land management practices.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees. We empower local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes with damage assessments, information, technical assistance and long-term recovery.
We analyze and monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information we have is more powerful when we give it to you.
We can help quench your thirst for learning. Explore links to identify trees using their leaves and branches, create your own tree trails and experience Texas history from the perspective of a witness tree. Share activities in the classroom to open up a world of conservation for new generations.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of the wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and a staff often made up almost entirely of volunteers. Sometimes they need a little help. Our programs help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment. We also help communities and property owners learn to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees where people live, work and play. We foster appreciation and stewardship of urban forests empowering local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes. From damage assessment, to information and technical assistance, to long-term recovery - we help property owners and communities thrive.
Our experts research, analyze and carefully monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information or knowledge we have is more powerful when we give it to you. As a state agency, our responsibility is share what we know.
If you have an unquenchable thirst for learning, we offer programs and information that you may either explore independently or share with a group. Learn about trees, forests, the benefits they provide and the challenges they face. Read stories about trees that are living witness to Texas history. Locate champion trees across the state. And bring activities into the classroom to open a world of conservation to a new generation.
+Conservation Education Resources
Insects & Diseases
Tree Identification
Famous Trees of Texas
Texas Big Tree Registry
+State Forests & Arboretums
Ask a Forester
Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Podcasts
Geocaching
ASK A FORESTER
#TFSintheWild
The primary purpose of state forests and arboretums is to serve as educational resources for Texans and visitors.
The property consists of approximately 2,360 acres in various scattered parcels in the western portion of Cherokee County. The largest main tract is located just a few miles west of Maydelle, Texas, and is bisected by State Highway 84.The only sawmill ever operated by the State of Texas was located on the site. Like other Texas state forests, the Fairchild is a working, demonstration forest and has served as a site for numerous silvicultural and research studies. The forest also hosts a small population of the federally-listed endangered species, red-cockaded woodpecker.
Read more >
W. Goodrich Jones State Forest is a 1,722-acre forest funded in 1926 by appropriations by the Texas Legislature with stipulations that the tracts be used for research, demonstration and education, serving as examples of working forests to Texas landowners. Today, on top of research and demonstration activities, the Jones State Forest plays host to a large population of the red-cockaded woodpecker, a federally listed endangered species. Forest management activities focus on habitat protection for this important species of the southern yellow pine forest ecosystem.
In 1929, TFS received a gift of 600 acres of forestland from lumber baron John Henry Kirby. Initially known as State Forest #4, the deed for the property stipulates a portion of revenues from the tract must be donated to the Former Student Association of Texas A&M University, for student loan purposes. Since 1949, over $730,000 has been generated for the Former Student Association student loan program.
This 519-acre Jasper County forest was acquired through donation from Leonora Masterson in 1985. The primary purpose of the forest is resource education and forestry demonstration for all Texans and visitors. A portion of the forest has been set aside for progeny tests with the purpose of improving genetics in southern yellow pine.
The original 1,722 acres of what was initially called State Forest #1 were acquired in 1924 by the Forestry Department of Texas A&M University. In 1951, State Forest #1 was dedicated the E.O. Siecke State Forest, recognizing the contributions of the second director and state forester, Eric O. Siecke. A number of dignitaries were on hand at the ceremony, including Texas Governor Alan Shivers.
Come to the 2019 Tax Workshop!
In addition to fighting wildfires, Texas A&M Forest Service is called upon to assist during all-hazard emergencies such as natural and man-made disasters and domestic situations. Follow @AllHazardsTFS on Twitter for the latest updated on incidents across the state.
The Bastrop Lost Pines Recovery AggieREPLANT will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Over the past five years, 2,000 students have planted 43,000 loblolly pine seedlings over 50 acres of parkland.
Texas A&M Forest Service launches online tools to assist Texas landowners Texas A&M Forest Service launched the Learn Plan Act Texas website in partnership with the Southern Group of State Foresters and the Texas Forestry Association to educate Texans on land stewardship practices. The agency also redesigned its My Land Management Connector application in an effort to make stewardship easier than ever before.
Texas A&M AgriLife awards TFS forester for public service Texas A&M AgriLife has awarded Andrew Crocker, Staff Forester for Texas A&M Forest Service, the 2017 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Pubic Service in Forestry.
Texas A&M AgriLife awards forester for public service Texas A&M AgriLife has awarded Joel Hambright, Regional Forester for Texas A&M Forest Service, the 2018 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.