International Conference on Reforestation Under Drought | July 7-10, 2026
Hosted by IUFRO 1.01.03 – Temperate Forest Regeneration
Drought affects forests from the boreal to the tropics and is increasingly becoming a major concern for successfully establishing new trees through reforestation and afforestation as water limitations are the new normal. Ensuring success of new regeneration is critical for meeting forestry objectives, yet many of the areas committed to management are or have experienced recent droughts hindering regeneration and threatening forest sustainability.
The inaugural IUFRO International Conference on Reforestation Under Drought brings together forest managers, researchers, graduate students, nursery professionals, and policy makers to interact and learn about cutting-edge research spanning seed to post-planting success, mechanistic responses to drought, modeling and advanced inventory techniques, and regeneration methods following natural disturbances. Participants will leave with an understanding of the state of knowledge, practical information and takeaways that they can implement on the ground in their region, and contacts for future collaboration. The conference will feature a mix of plenary talks, oral and poster presentations, field tours, and socializing opportunities.
Themes include: (i) management from forests to agroforestry systems, (ii) plant responses to drought, (iii) modeling & advanced inventory techniques, and (iv) ecological responses.
Abstracts – The deadline to submit has closed. Thank you to those that have sent in a proposal and you should hear back by the end of January 2026.
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The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) is a non-profit, non-governmental international network of forest scientists, which promotes global cooperation in forest-related research and enhances the understanding of the ecological, economic and social aspects of forests. For more information, go to their website.
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International attendees will likely need to apply for a B-1 Business visa. Review the US State Department website for more information.
Registration for this event is now open!
Early Regular – $575 USD
Early Student – $300 USD
Early registration ends April 30.
Regular registration begins May 1.
Regular – $695 USD
Student – $400 USD
Thursday only option: field trip and conference social – $150 USD
A limited number of work exchange opportunities may be available for students and those needing financial assistance. Please reach out to erin @ westernforestry . org
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Sponsors & exhibitors welcome!
Two-day (Tuesday & Wednesday) exhibitor registration – $650
Full conference exhibitor registration – $850
For more information on opportunities to sponsor the event, please check out our sponsorship packet.
Independence Civic Center & Hotel
Civic Center – 555 S Main St, Independence, OR 97351
Hotel – 201 Osprey Ln, Independence, OR 97351
Located on the banks of the Willamette River in the charming western town of Independence, Oregon.
A room block is available at the hotel for the nights of July 6, 7, 8, & 9 (departing July 10). Rooms are $199/night + tax. Book by March 2026 for this discounted rated.
Guests can book rooms by either calling the front desk at (503) 837-0200 and mentioning the group name or via their website. The promo code is IUFRO26.
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Independence is 12 miles from Salem, the capital of Oregon. For those not driving, Salem is easily accessible from the PDX airport via Groome Transportation. They run an hourly shuttle between Salem and PDX for $50/one way. A Lyft or Uber can then be taken from Salem to Independence.
Arrive
Evening icebreaker reception
All-day conference
All-day conference
All-day field trip
Evening conference social
Morning sessions
Depart midday