Local students joined Westwind forester Margaret Scott to learn about tree identification, tree quality, and diseases. Once the students were comfortable with some of these concepts, they began to do a forest inventory “cruise”. By setting up sample plots, the students collected data on species, quality, density, and regeneration in the forest stand which can be used to determine how to manage the forest going forward.

The 3 students were part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Stewardship Youth Ranger program which exposes youth aged 16 and 17 to natural resource management projects in their own community. There were many great questions and discussions by the end of the day. It was fantastic to see youth actively participating in forestry and learning about forests.