Forestry
and Natural Resources
Program Description
Forestry & Natural Resources introduces students to forest science and the safe operation of chainsaws, heavy equipment and tree felling. Students will participate in seasonal projects including but not limited to firewood cutting, drainage projects, soil evaluation, Christmas tree farming, and maple sugaring.
Level I
Intro to Forestry/Natural Resources
This program will introduce students to various forest management practices and skills involved in natural resource careers. This course will focus on proficiencies in several skills that include: Dendrology (tree and leaf identification), map and compass use (orienteering), tractor safety and maintenance, basic welding, chainsaw safety, and operation, and an introduction to the Vermont Soils and Land Judging Competition. This course will provide students with the proper vocabulary, understanding, technical knowledge, and physical skills necessary for natural resource careers. Students will also receive First-Aid, CPR, AED, Northeast Woodland Training (Game of Logging) levels 1 and 2 training.
Level II
This is an outside environmental course that will engage students with hands-on project-based learning activities with opportunities for community service projects, field trips, job shadowing, and cooperatives. Focus areas will include subsurface drainage design and construction, sawmill operation, lumber grading, introduction to maple syrup production, skidder safety and operation, timber harvesting, and wildland fire control. Additionally, students will be able to identify indigenous and invasive plants and trees. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the Northeast Woodland Training (Game of Logging) certification program. Students will also be able to become LEAP (Logger Education to Advance Professionalism) certified.
Potential students must have successfully completed Level I Introduction to Forestry/Natural Resources
For more detailed information go to our Program of Study.
Clubs and Activities
FFA
FFA is the previer youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.
Industry Recognized Credentials
Game of Logging Level 1-4
First Aid/CPR/AED
Wildland Fire Control
OSHA 10
Your Instructor
Errold Nelson
My name is Errold Nelson. I am currently the Forestry/Natural Resources instructor at the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro, Vermont. Prior to teaching, I was the Forestry para educator here for fourteen years. I have been involved in the forestry industry since the late 1980s, beginning with my college degree in Environmental Science. I have held various jobs related to forestry education, logging, contracting and maintenance for over thirty years. My experience in several school systems and special education, in particular, has given me insight into the field of special education and the individualized needs of every student. I have found my niche in education; teaching students about this industry and sharing my love of Forestry.
