Understanding the Drivers of Forest Adaptation

Located in the state-owned forest of Orléans, the OPTMix (Oak-Pine Tree Mixture) project has been exploring for several years the combined effects of three major factors on the functioning of temperate forests :

• Species composition,
• Stand density,
• Browsing pressure by wild ungulates.

These silvicultural levers are at the heart of current debates on forest ecosystem resilience. In the face of rising temperatures, droughts, and biotic disturbances, managers must rethink their practices: can mixing species, adjusting stand density, or managing wildlife impact truly strengthen forest resistance?

Three Key Scientific Themes

The symposium is organized around three complementary research themes :

1. Biodiversity and Community Ecology
   Studies on species diversity, interactions between taxa, and cascading effects in mixed stands.
2. (Eco)physiological Functioning and Biogeochemical Cycles
   Growth, decline, resilience to climatic stress, resource distribution, and nutrient cycles.
3. Forest Regeneration and the Role of Large Wildlife
   Effects of silviculture and ungulates on regeneration, soil fertility, and carbon cycling.

These themes aim to promote interdisciplinary exchanges and build bridges between research and operational management.

An Open and Collaborative Event

The OPTMix 2026 Symposium is open to the entire scientific community, public and private managers, and forestry development stakeholders.

Participants are invited to submit :

• Oral presentations (15 or 30 minutes),
• Scientific posters.

The event will take place in a hybrid format (in-person and online) and will offer both French and English speaking sessions, as well as a field day in the state-owned forest of Orléans.

Practical Information

Venue : Espace des Étangs, Nogent-sur-Vernisson (Loiret, France)
Dates : June 8–12, 2026
Abstract submission : September 15 – December 15, 2025
Registration : February 15 – April 15, 2026
Languages : French (June 8–10) / English (June 10–12)
Format : Hybrid (in-person + online)

All practical information, forms, and calls for contributions are available on the official website : HERE

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