Contact: Bob Ratliff
The administrator for federal Natural Resources Conservation Service partnership programs in Mississippi is the 2002 Carlton N. Owen Lecturer at Mississippi State University.
Homer Wilkes' public presentation on efforts to reclaim native forest lands begins at 10 a.m. Friday [April 26] in the Tully Auditorium of Thompson Hall. A reception follows at the same location.
Wilkes, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Jackson State University, has headed the United States Department of Agriculture's service office in the state since 1994. His agency provides leadership and support for statewide efforts to conserve, maintain and improve natural resources and the environment.
Focusing on forest resource stewardship issues, the university lecture series was established in 1992 by its namesake, who received bachelor's and master's degrees from Mississippi State in the mid-1970s. A major supporter of environmental issues, Owen lives today in South Carolina.
For more information on the program, telephone (662) 325-2953.