July 30-31, 2026
Nicholas School of the Environment (Grainger Hall), Duke University
Practical executive education for professionals working across forestry, conservation, land management, and sustainable investment.
Designed for professionals working across finance, forestry, conservation, land management, and policy who are looking for practical tools and peer exchange.
The NRFI Executive Short Courses provide practical, practitioner-led training for professionals working across forestry, conservation, land management, and sustainable investment.
Participants engage directly with industry leaders through applied case studies, market analysis, and peer discussion focused on today’s natural resource challenges and opportunities.
Program Format
A total of 10 Category 1 CFEs have been approved by SAF.
Registration ends on July 23, 2026
Registration includes all three executive modules. Individual module registration is not available. A special discount is available for current students and recent graduates. Please contact Richard Mei for details.
Dates: July 30-31, 2026
Location: Nicholas School of the Environment (Grainger Hall), Duke University
To encourage diverse participation, registration is limited to four participants per organization.
Lodging: A special group rate of $159.00 per night is available at the AC Hotel Durham for a limited number of rooms. Use this link to book yours.
4-hour Executive Module
A practical introduction to forest carbon markets and how carbon considerations are shaping land management and investment decisions.
Key topics include:
Speakers:
Cakey Worthington, Aurora Sustainable Lands: Market history and mechanics
Parker White, Eastwood Forests: Carbon credit buyers
Tim Hipp, Anew Climate: Methodology update
4-hour Executive Module
A market-focused examination of timberland investments, including traditional and emerging drivers of return.
Key topics include:
Market dynamics affecting timberland returns
Impacts of mill closures, policy, and tariffs
New revenue drivers beyond carbon
Appraisal considerations for alternative land uses
Speakers:
Richard Mei, Duke University: Timber, carbon, and landscape diversity
David Walters, Green Diamond Resource Company: Large-scale renewable energy sites
Weiyi Zhang, Manulife Investment Management: Farmland and timberland
4-hour Executive Module
An applied overview of conservation finance frameworks, focused on how philanthropic, public, and private capital are used to deliver conservation outcomes.
Key topics include:
Speakers:
Sarah Gelfand, Bluemark: Impact investing and impact metrics
Peter Stein, Lyme Timber: Introduction to conservation/interim/blended finance
The Executive Short Courses are made possible through the support of industry partners committed to advancing education, professional development, and leadership in natural resources finance.
Longleaf level: Vacant
Yellow-poplar level:
Longleaf level:
Organizations interested in supporting the Executive Short Courses may participate through one of three sponsorship levels:
Contact Richard Mei at bin.mei@duke.edu to learn more.
Richard Mei, PhD
Director, Natural Resources Finance Initiative
bin.mei@duke.edu
Join our growing network of students, professionals, and alumni working at the intersection of finance and sustainability.
