TreeLines

At ArborGen, we believe that strong relationships grow strong forests – and that’s exactly the philosophy Clint Ebert brings with him as our newest Reforestation Advisor. With more than 25 years of experience in forestry and timber procurement, Clint has supported landowners, mills, and rural communities across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. His decades of field experience have shaped a simple but powerful belief: forests thrive when the people who care for them feel supported, informed, and understood.

A Early Spark for Stewardship

Clint’s love for forestry began long before his career did. In high school, he joined FFA and got his first glimpse into the world of natural resource management through forestry judging. What started as curiosity quickly grew into something deeper.

“I was genuinely fascinated by how forests function and how intentional stewardship can shape the land for generations,” he shared.

With a lifelong love of the outdoors, forestry became the perfect blend of purpose and passion.

Rooted in Southeast Oklahoma

Clint grew up in southeast Oklahoma – a region where forestry isn’t just an industry, but a way of life. With major paper mills nearby and log trucks constantly on the highway, the rhythm of timber production was part of everyday life. The area is home to some of the most actively managed pine forests in the state, contributing to Oklahoma’s nearly 2 million acres of forestland.

“Growing up where forestry supports both local economies and rural families absolutely influenced my appreciation for the industry,” Clint said. “It shaped the path I’m on today.”

A Career Built From the Ground Up

Clint’s forestry career began at just 16 years old, when he took a job cutting short logs while cleaning fencerows and selling them by the cord. That hands-on start taught him the forestry supply chain from the ground up.

After college, Clint joined Weyerhaeuser, where he spent 14 years working in harvesting and raw materials management. These roles strengthened his technical knowledge of forest operations, procurement, and landowner relations. He later served as a procurement specialist for International Paper, expanding his insight into mill needs, fiber flow, and long-term supply planning.

“What drew me to ArborGen,” Clint explained, “was the opportunity to be part of a company shaping the future of forestry. I wanted a new challenge – one that let me take everything I’ve learned and apply it directly to forest regeneration and long-term timber value.”

Why Landowners Will Benefit From His Experience

Having worked with hundreds of landowners, loggers, and vendors across the Southeast, Clint brings deep practical knowledge to every conversation. He has cruised countless stands, negotiated complex stumpage contracts, forecasted mill needs, and managed large networks of logging crews – all while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and efficiency.

“My goal is for customers to feel they have a knowledgeable partner,” he said. “Someone who listens, understands the industry from the ground up, and is committed to helping them succeed.”

Clint focuses on making decisions clear and approachable. Whether it’s selecting the right genetic mix, improving stand productivity, or planning for long-term returns, his guidance is firmly rooted in real-world experience.

Why ArborGen Was the Next Right Step

After decades in procurement, Clint felt a strong pull toward work that focused more directly on landowners’ long-term goals.

“ArborGen allows me to shift from managing supply flow to shaping the very beginning of the forestry cycle,” he said. “Working for a company committed to producing high-quality, genetically improved seedlings – that truly make a difference – was exciting to me.”

For Clint, joining ArborGen felt like the perfect alignment of timing, mission, and impact.

His Approach: Listening First, Always

Clint believes that no two properties or landowners are the same. That’s why his first step is always to listen.

“Forestry decisions can be complex. I want landowners to feel comfortable, understood, and confident when they work with me,” he said. “Their goals matter. And I’m here to help them make sound, productive decisions for their land.”

One thing he wishes every landowner understood? The importance of early decisions.

“The seedling is the starting point for everything,” Clint explained. “Good planning on the front end saves time, money, and frustration later. The right genetics can mean faster growth, better survival, improved form, and a higher return at harvest.”

Life Beyond the Field

Outside of work, Clint’s life revolves around faith, family, and the outdoors. He and his wife, Ruth, stay busy on their ranch, where weekends often include feeding cattle, fixing fence, or spending time outdoors with their two boys. Hunting and fishing with family and friends are traditions that keep them connected to the land — and to each other.

“My relationship with God keeps me grounded,” Clint shared. “And my wife and boys are my inspiration. They remind me every day why I work hard and strive to do things the right way.”