Shining light on the year 2012 as the 20th anniversary of the college.

The college’s wood science and forest products department has changed its name to the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials.

The college’s Conservation Management Institute (CMI) provided technical expertise for the world’s first avoided planned deforestation project to receive certification under the requirements of the international Verified Carbon Standard.

Virginia Tech has partnered with the University of Georgia and Appalachian State University in an innovative program called Ambassadors for Conservation Education.

The tiger is one of the most beloved and well-known jungle cats. Unfortunately, it is also one of the world’s most endangered species.

Geography instructor John Boyer, already known for his Plaid Avenger alter ego and his unorthodox teaching methods, has embraced social media in a way unmatched on the Blacksburg campus.

Nationally known wildlife researcher Jim Fraser and his research team leaders Lawrence Houghton and Jonathan Cohen received the 2011 Wildlife Society Publication Award in the monograph category.

Alan Thornhill, a popular adjunct faculty member in the college’s National Capital Region graduate program, is the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) first chief environmental officer.

Dennis Stauffer — son of Professor Dean Stauffer, associate dean of academic programs, and his wife, Bennie — died in an automobile accident in Asheville, N.C., on Jan. 18, 2012.

Matt Hillman of Southborough, Mass., a wildlife science master’s student who was conducting research on Cape Lookout National Seashore, N.C., last May, became a local hero when he saved the life of a woman drowning in a rip tide.

Extending their passion for wildlife and the environment beyond the classroom, a number of wildlife science students took home prizes in recent competitions.

Senior wildlife science major Erika Hajnal of Budapest, Hungary, closed out her career on the H2Okies swimming team with strong performances in this year’s ACC and NCAA championships.

Nate Slemp, a wood science and forest products major, is president of VT Snow, a student-run ski and snowboard club now in its third year.

Assistant Professor Henry Quesada of the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials returned to Costa Rica this spring with a group of students for the study abroad component of his Global Issues in Sustainability course.

Professor Emeritus Dick Neves has long been dedicated to community service projects supporting children in the small Haitian town of Pignon.

The College of Natural Resources and Environment Alumni Board has welcomed two new members.

Richard Adkins, forestry supervisor for the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, has been named one of seven “True Professionals of Arboriculture” for 2011 by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Mark Bain of Lansing, N.Y., passed away on Feb. 8, 2012, at the age of 56 from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).