Texas A&M Forest Service celebrates Fairchild Forest centennial
Event showcased long-term pine management, native grass establishment and wildlife conservation efforts
East Texas landowners gathered at the I.D. Fairchild State Forest in Cherokee County to commemorate its centennial year on April 26.
Attendees toured the state forest to learn about its history, pine management and genetics operations, native grass establishment, and turkey and red-cockaded woodpecker conservation efforts by the Texas A&M Forest Service and cooperating experts.
Outdoor classrooms found in state forests
The Texas A&M Forest Service owns and manages five state forests and two arboretums, which serve as working demonstration forests and educational classrooms for thousands of visitors each year.
State forests also provide opportunities for collaboration in forest management and research with Texas state agencies and natural resource partners.
“It is essential that we acknowledge and celebrate the legacy of our state forests and the stewards who came before us who set the standard for sustainable forest management,” said Jake Donellan, Texas A&M Forest Service division director of field operations.
“A centennial event like this not only celebrates the history and stewardship of this forest but also provides landowners with the knowledge and resources to manage their land well, supporting Texas’ valuable ecosystems and forest industry.”
A closer look at I.D. Fairchild State Forest
The I.D. Fairchild State Forest is a 2,788-acre forest primarily made up of shortleaf pine trees, a fire-adapted pine species that supports native ecosystems.
Various forest management operations are conducted at the I.D. Fairchild, including timber harvesting, timber stand improvement, reforestation, prescribed burning, wildlife habitat improvement and seed production.
This state forest is home to the federally threatened red-cockaded woodpecker. For decades, Texas A&M Forest Service biologists and foresters have collaborated with other state agencies and neighboring states to steadily enhance the health, genetic diversity, and protection of this species. In fall 2024, those efforts led to its reclassification as a threatened species after 54 years.
“Our primary focus at the I.D. Fairchild is creating the perfect ground for silvicultural and wildlife research studies and operations,” said Jason Ellis, Texas A&M Forest Service district forester. “As a result of our conservation efforts, this forest also serves as a hands-on classroom for students of all ages, as well as a demonstration site to nearby landowners looking for examples of good forest management.”
I.D. Fairchild State Forest history
The I.D. Fairchild, formerly State Forest No. 3, was the third state forest acquired by the Texas A&M Forest Service in 1925. The forest was initially owned and operated by the State Prison System.
From 1933 to 1936, a large Civilian Conservation Corps camp was located on the main tract of the state forest. Enrollees constructed a fire lookout tower, roads, fire breaks, a small pond and bridges — many of which can still be found today.
On Sept. 11, 1956, State Forest No. 3 was dedicated and renamed the I.D. Fairchild State Forest, after the late state representative and senator from Lufkin.
State forest centennial celebrations
This fall, a third and final state forest centennial event will be held at the E.O. Siecke State Forest in Newton County.
Learn more about Texas State Forests and centennial events at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/StateForest100.aspx.
