UNH Extension staff are in the field every day, working with Granite State residents to make life better in New Hampshire. Because they’re so often on the go, getting to know our specialists and educators can be challenging. That’s why we’ve created In the Weeds, an ongoing series of interviews with Extension staff. Get to know the people behind our programs, discover new opportunities and pick up a few music recommendations along the way.
Name: Greg Jordan
Title: Rockingham County Forester, Natural Resources Field Specialist
Start Date at Extension: October 2017
Why did you choose your field of work?
Like most foresters, I love being outdoors. Always have. I spent pretty much every afternoon after school exploring the woods or climbing trees with my best friend Brian. In high school, I spent weekends hiking and bushwhacking in the White Mountains with my dad. When it came time to choose a career, someone said to me, "Would you rather work in an office or in a pickup truck with your dog in the passenger seat?" I chose the pickup truck.
If you could only have one tool to do your job at Extension, what would it be?
Field foresters need a pretty basic tool kit: a compass and hip chain for laying out boundary lines, a paint gun for marking trees, and a Biltmore stick for tree measurements. However, in my job at Extension, I really just need to get in to the woods with landowners so that I can listen to the questions they have about their land. The thing I need most is a sturdy pair of boots.
Describe a memorable experience you have had in your career as an educator:
I've spent most of my career working in the field. Being an educator, at least in a formal sense, is a relatively new thing for me. Recently, some of the best moments have come when I bump into another forester who says, "I got a call from a landowner who said they met with you and now they want me to help them start managing their property better." It's nice to think that a landowner took my message of good forest stewardship to heart.
If you had to make a playlist to accompany your program, what five songs would be on it?
Oh, that's a tough question. Today my five are: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver; "Breakfast in Hell" by Slaid Cleaves (a song about a log drive);"Smile" by the Jayhawks; "Bring it On" by Slaid Cleaves, and "It's a Long Way to the Top" by AC/DC.
If there was one thing you would want everyone to know about your field of expertise, what would it be?
Forestry and logging are not just about using the forest. They’re about sustaining the forest for the long-term.
How can people get in touch with you?
Check out our website and send me an email with any questions. I'm not sitting at my desk very much, but email comes straight to my cell phone.
Do you have any events coming up that you are excited about?
I'll be helping out with the New Hampshire Invasives Academy at the end of September.
What Extension Program, outside of your program area, would we most likely be able to find you at in your free time?
A Home, Yard, and Garden program. I love gardening, especially community gardens.
