Forestry program celebrates 40 years at Reedley College
Typical fire service gear.
For four decades, the Forestry and Natural Resources Program at Reedley College has been training future rangers, naturalists, and forest workers. As the only program in California approved by the Society of American Foresters, the courses provide hands-on training and skills that students need to succeed in the industry.
Real-world work experience is as important as hands-on training.
A key to the program’s success is the variety of practical training grounds available. The college’s oak grove, farm, and nearby Kings River offer excellent opportunities for practicing tool and equipment usage, hydrology labs, and plant or animal identification. The jewel in this collection of training locales is the 800-acre school forest located at the Sequoia Lake YMCA at an elevation of 5,500 feet. Just 40 miles from Reedley College, this mixed conifer forest is an ideal site for field trips and opportunities from wildlife photography and trail maintenance to running chainsaws and utilizing hand tools. Most field trips consist of three days of activities including interpretive tours, guest speakers, a work day, and blocks of outdoor laboratory instruction.
School forest located at the Sequoia Lake YMCA
Real-world work experience is as important as hands-on training. The Forestry & Natural Resources Program partners with industry-leading employers to offer students paid internships where they serve in a range of professional roles. Every student is given an opportunity to gain these work experiences during the summer. For 25 years, every student who has sought a summer job in natural resources has been placed. And nearly 80% of graduates are permanently employed in natural resource careers.
With a commitment to innovative and practical instruction, the Forestry and Natural Resources Program at Reedley College continues to flourish. On April 17 and 18, there will be a celebration for the 40th anniversary, including a BBQ and activities at Sequoia Lake. For details contact Kent Kinney at kent.kinney@reedleycollege.edu or 638-3641 ex. 3275.
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