Forestry

Goals and Objectives

Identify common trees, grasses, shrubs, weeds, and wildflowers without a key.
Understand forest ecology concepts and factors affecting them, including the relationship between soil and forest types, tree communities, regeneration, competition, and succession.
Understand the cause and effect relationship of factors affecting tree growth and forest development, such as: climate, insects, microorganisms, wildlife etc.
Understand how wildlife habitat relates to: forest communities, forest species, forest age structure, snags and den trees, food availability, and riparian zones.
Understand the value of trees in urban and suburban settings and factors affecting their health and survival.
Understand how the following issues are affected by forest health and management: biological diversity, forest fragmentation, air quality, fire, and recreation.
Understand basic forest management concepts and tools such as:
- how silvicultural practices are utilized
- use of tree measuring devices, i.e. biltmore stick
- best management practices
Identify complex factors which influences forest management decisions, such as: economics, social and ecological. Apply silviculture concepts and methods to develop general management recommendations for a particular situation and management goals.