WFGA History
The Western Forest Genetics Association, officially founded in 1955, was established at a time when tree breeding and forest genetics were in an expansion. It was preceded by a half-century of ideas and research in western North America, and by a much longer foundation elsewhere.
Student involvement has been important, recognized since 1990 by the Critchfield Scholarship Awards that support outstanding student contributions to be given at other meetings. Support personnel, such as seed-orchard managers, nursery people, statistical analysts, etc., have been welcome members and participants.
We have presented 10 short courses focusing on practical, theoretical, and high-tech topics in support of tree breeding and forest genetics. We have often partnered with meetings of tree physiologists, ecologists, statisticians, and other tree-improvement organizations. Meeting venues have been in Merida, Yucatan; Prince George, British Columbia; Makaha, Hawaii; Fort Collins, Colorado; and lots of places in between.
At WFGA free exchange of ideas and information, as well as friendship and fellowship, have been the norm. Our philosophy has been to present and discuss things we are doing, or are planning to do, although reports of completed works have been presented and welcome. Field trips to work in progress have often been the highlights of our annual meetings.
Student involvement has been important, recognized since 1990 by the Critchfield Scholarship Awards that support outstanding student contributions to be given at other meetings. Support personnel, such as seed-orchard managers, nursery people, statistical analysts, etc., have been welcome members and participants.
We have presented 10 short courses focusing on practical, theoretical, and high-tech topics in support of tree breeding and forest genetics. We have often partnered with meetings of tree physiologists, ecologists, statisticians, and other tree-improvement organizations. Meeting venues have been in Merida, Yucatan; Prince George, British Columbia; Makaha, Hawaii; Fort Collins, Colorado; and lots of places in between.
At WFGA free exchange of ideas and information, as well as friendship and fellowship, have been the norm. Our philosophy has been to present and discuss things we are doing, or are planning to do, although reports of completed works have been presented and welcome. Field trips to work in progress have often been the highlights of our annual meetings.