Intro to Forestry and Natural Resource Conservation (2048)

In this capstone course to Forestry and Natural Resources, students will learn about forest ecology, management, and conservation by exploring such topics as environmental policy, land use, lumber production, water resources, fire ecology, and wildlife management. In classroom discussions and presentations, they will present and debate the roles of native and invasive species and ecosystems, wildfire maintenance, proper forest management, and health and impact of human activity on ecosystems. Lab activities will include tree identification, soil sampling, field trips to private and public forests, and listening to experts’ present findings on a range of forestry topics. Students will utilize the Calaveras High School Farm & Forest, located on campus, as a living laboratory to take measurements, samples, and experiment with forest management and silviculture practices. Upon completion of the course students will be prepared to identify and examine real-world examples of concepts explored in coursework and their implications for professional forestry. Students will also acquire, articulate, create and convey knowledge and understanding on the subject of professional forestry using a variety of methods of communication. In addition, students will use acquired knowledge of forestry field techniques to make informed decisions about their personal lives, career choices, and the communities in which they live.