Short Course on Ecological Forestry
Community Forests International has been learning and practicing a middle path between the conservation of wild lands, and the clear-cuts of industrial logging. Understanding that humans need to balance their approach to nature, Community Forests International has been working to foster relationships where human incomes and forest products are provided while the integrity of the working and healthy forest are valued and maintained.
While learning and growing as an organization, Community Forests International has been in contact with some remarkable stewards of the forest, and has drawn on the experience of some of Atlantic Canada’s finest practitioners of ecological and conservation forestry. The wisdom Community Forests International has gained while spending time with those that have lived and learned from the forest for generations has prompted the development of a short course to extend a variety of skills and a forestlands philosophy to others in Canada and abroad.
From 2-6 of August, 2010, Community Forests International will be offering their first Short Course in Ecological Forestry in Sackville, New Brunswick. If you’ve spent the summer planting trees, and are interested in learning about a more natural process of forest restoration, or if you’ve just purchased a woodlot and want to sharpen your skills, this course could be the one for you. The course will cover native plant and tree identification, chainsaw use and maintenance, the principle of ecological, restoration and conservation forestry, sawmill operation, wildcrafting and timber framing. Please see the full course outline and pricing details below.
Ecoforestry and Forest Restoration Short Course
Day 1 – Full Day – Classroom Based – Sackville, NB
New Brunswick’s Acadian Forest – Our History, Our Challenge and a Possibility for Change - Principles of Ecological Forestry – Making Conservation a Consequence of Production.
Day 2 – Morning – Field Based -
- Learning to see the Forest – A walk through the woods
- Tree Identification Practicum.
Afternoon – Classroom Based
- Tools for Change – Certification and the Community Land Trust model.
Day 3 – Morning – Classroom based – Forestry Safety Demonstration
- Practical Techniques and Procedures for Good Forest Operations
- Chainsaw Safety and Maintenance
Afternoon – Field Based – Sackville Community Garden
- Working in the Image of Nature – Edible Forest Gardening
- Propagation of Native Mushrooms
Day 4 – Full Day – Field Based – Otter Creek, NB
- Wild Foresting, Wild Living
- Wild Crafting – Native Food, Medicine and Candy
- Adding Value – Timber Framing
- Propagation of Trees and Field Nursery Maintenance
Day 5 - Full Day – Field Based – Small-Scale Forestry Demonstration
- Selecting, Harvesting, Milling, and Processing FSC Certified Lumber
Final Dinner – Forestry for Tomorrow
If interest permits, Community Forests International will explore the extension of the Short Course to accommodate a more indepth eduction experience for the material covered in this week long short course. Early sign-up (before June 15) course fee is $320 + food and accommodation, which can be arranged if required. Please contact info@forestsinternational.org or 514-839-0546 for more details. Employment and volunteer opportunities will be made available to participants
