Podcasts

Season 7 | Community of the Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program (SFLR) | Episode 18

#117 | What we’re doing now will affect generations

June 26, 2019 | John Littles

John Littles is the Executive Director for Mcintosh Sustainable Environment Economic Development (McSEED). He provides technical assistance to grassroots organizations and asset-based economic development, food systems, education systems, land preservation and retention, and so much more! In his role, John has generated over $8 million dollars in funding for the organization and works as an outreach provider for the United States Department of Agriculture for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. On the show, John shares his expertise and experience working with landowners and growing economies in rural communities!

Key Takeaways:

[1:35] A message from Leadership Nature.

[2:20] A quick intro about John’s background.

[4:15] How did John get started in this field?

[9:50] John relies heavily on volunteers and partnerships to help keep these community projects going.

[10:35] What lessons has John learned about leading volunteers?

[12:15] How did John first find out about the SFLR program, and how has it helped the community so far?

[14:45] By introducing diversity into the forestry industry, it has helped make an impact in the communities John and his team serve.

[15:25] John shares an example of how he helps landowners with their property.

[17:30] How has John been able to build trust in the community?

[19:20] The landowner always comes first!

[19:45] What kind of partnerships has John been able to develop, so far?

[20:40] John is in the third year of phase one for the SFLR program. What will phase two look like?

[21:40] How have John and his team made the transition from serving people on a local front to the regional and national front?

[24:25] John shares a story about a young landowner he was able to help.

[27:25] Trust takes time to build, but once it’s built, you can really move mountains with it.

[31:10] Can John help people clean up their title and obtain their all-important farm number?

[33:20] Why is this work so important to John?

[34:40] What kind of advice does John have for landowners?

[36:45] John shares his final thoughts about the importance of educating rural African American communities.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Learn more about McIntosh SEED on Facebook here

Website for the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities: Usendowment.org

More information on the SFLR Program: Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program (SFLR)

For more information on the USDA and the NRCS, go here: Nrcs.usda.gov

Listen to Danielle Atkins’ Podcast Interview here

For more information absout the American Forest Foundation go here

Contact the Georgia Foresty Commission here

Find your locate your State Forester here

Visit the Center for Heirs Property Preservation here

McIntosh SEED’s Instagram: @mcintoshseed