UT Extension Forestry Specialist David Mercker shares his knowledge of sustainable forestry through educational programs that make a big impact
Where are you from, and how did your career lead you to UTIA?
I was raised in the cornfields of central Illinois, in a county with a forest base of less than 1% of the land area. Trees were a rare resource. It was the captivating early hunting and camping journeys that led to a collegiate study of forest resources. Directly out of college, I worked with a consulting forestry firm in Indiana for 13 years, then in 1999, joined the University of Tennessee Extension.
What is your role within UTIA, and what do you do on a typical day?
Every day when my feet hit the ground, I ask myself two questions: “How can I educate society about sustainable forestry?” and, “How can I assist County Extension Agents?” My role is to develop and deliver innovative educational programs to achieve these challenges.
Why did you choose the field of forestry?
As a young lad, it was the time spent in the woods with my father and friends that kindled an interest and passion for all things forest. By 7th grade, a career path in forestry had begun. Attending several natural resource camps as a youth further confirmed this calling.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of the work you do?
Forest management is a complex science. Through the decades employed as an Extension Forestry Specialist, it has been very rewarding to deliver educational programs that simplify our science. When the demeanor of landowners reflects an ‘I get it’ – that’s the moment of boundless personal satisfaction.
What has been your proudest moment while working at UTIA?
With a career spanning 38 years, there have been occasions to momentarily stop and reflect upon honors. Three such moments were: indoctrination as a Fellow with the Society of American Foresters, being selected as the National Extension Forester of the Year, and receiving the National Forest Landowner Education Award. These awards have equal standing, and all rest on the top shelf. Such endorsements are humbling and suggest that ‘somebody noticed.’
What is your favorite Real. Life. Solution. that you have provided to Tennesseans and beyond through your work?
Developing and supporting the start-up of the County Forestry Associations early in my career with UT was perhaps the most visible contribution to Tennessee forestry. These organizations, in partnership with county Extension offices (and other agencies), became the platform to deliver many educational programs and field days. Submissively, it might be fair to say that Tennessee forests are better because of these associations.
What is one of your favorite experiences you have had while working at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center?
In 2003, it was determined by the then Center Director, Dr. Bob Hayes, that a 120-acre bottomland row crop field would better serve UT and the Jackson community if it were converted back to hardwood forest. I had the pleasure to oversee the planting (and maintenance) of 51,000 trees into this area. Several publications resulted from this work and the site serves as a demonstration area to the community on how to restore bottomland hardwood forests for the benefit of the environment and the greater society.
What is a project you are currently working on that you are excited about?
During and following the period of COVID, an innovative program was developed titled ‘Back Porch Forestry.’ BPF are virtual educational sessions created from my back porch, allowing the message of forest sustainability to reach new audiences within Tennessee and beyond. Thirty-two educational sessions have been created and are stored on YouTube. The result has been tens of thousands of educational contacts that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred. The sessions are also posted on K@TE, for continuing education opportunities for UT personnel.
What do you like to do outside of work and/or what is a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues may not know?
During free time we get to do what we want to do, and I want to be in the woods! To find me during those periods, you’ll have to trundle into one of our two family tree farms. There I’ll be managing the forest for the production of fine quality hardwoods or hunting whitetail deer. Also, I enjoy volunteering as a Gideon, serving on a local benevolence committee, and listening to worship music.
