Ron Lance

Where are you from?

The southern Appalachians of North Carolina have been home for many generations of my family. Even though I've held employment posts in other areas of the U.S. over the years, this region remains my long-term destination and I now reside in the South Carolina portion of the Blue Ridge. It is not merely the feeling of home that these mountains furnish, but rather it is the familiar trees covering the hills that give me the greatest sense of place.

What is your professional background?

After obtaining an Associate Degree in Wildlife Management, my working career started immediately at Haywood Community College in the same year, 1975. For the next 50 years, I have held posts in the fields of education, forestry, biology, horticulture and natural history, among other things. Currently, I continue employment as a Land Manager with the North American Land Trust, stationed on a large tract of forested Appalachian land.  

How did your interest in oaks start?

After a forestry course in High School, my interest in trees was sparked. Soon the desire to learn about, collect, and plant trees onto the family farm became a new priority in my life.  Oaks were an important segment from the beginning, but steadily gained relevance as I became more familiar with the intriguing diversity of Quercus. 

How did you come to join IOS?

While employed as Nursery Manager at The North Carolina Arboretum, oaks were a major interest and facet of my horticultural duties. When I saw a copy of the first IOS newsletter, I was keen to join this new society and drive to its first conference in 1994. I have only missed two Triennial Conferences since. I served on the IOS Board for 12 years, including stints as Conference Chair, President and Secretary.

Which are your favorite oaks?

It is difficult to choose a favorite oak in the U.S. Depending on the area in which I am standing at any particular time, there are a few species which I look for, and nearly always appreciate the sight of.  These include large Quercus rubra and aged Q. alba of my home region, elusive Q. austrina of the southern coastal plain, majestic Q. michauxii of swamplands and bulky Q. macrocarpa of the Midwest. I also admire the shrubby wildlife feeder Q. ilicifolia of the Northeast and the western Q. gambellii when it mixes with aspens and conifers.

An oak anecdote you would like to share?

The evolution of acorn planting entails invention by squirrels, perfection by humans and obsession by the IOS. But like the squirrel, our last nut is not superfluous if it grows to serve future nuts.

Anything else you would like to add?

Tree planting at my age suggests labor with limited reward potential, yet green surrogate children return daily a dose of silent appreciation. 

Updated 18 March 2026