Forestry is the science of establishing, managing, using and conserving forests and related resources. However, it goes much further than that in the Forestry department at Jones College.
The degree path at Jones can lead to several careers, such as being an independent forester, working for a forestry commission, working for other companies or even teaching up to the collegiate level.
The demand for these jobs is constant and highly available, which is why the Jones Forestry instructor encourages high school students to enter into the Forestry Program.
“There are options available for students. They can earn a Technical Certificate or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree,” Bennett Burris, Jones College forestry instructor, said. “[This] program prepares students for careers in the industry. The program includes classwork, outdoor labs and field techniques.”
“I truly feel prepared to not only continue to a university but also to continue into a career after leaving Jones,” forestry student John Carter Austin II said. “I learned a lot, and I can credit it almost entirely to this program and club.”
The forestry club is for those pursuing a major in Forest Resources, Management and other related fields. It is only open to Forestry students as it is designed to give students a way to connect with others in their classes and to build trust.
Trust is important in certain classes as students participate in what is called controlled burns through the Silviculture class, a required class for all forestry students. A controlled burn is when a fire is intentionally set to help manage tracks of land.
These exercises are among several that students participate in throughout the two-year program. They also view seedling farms, inspect properties, learn to cruise timber and learn how to read property maps and values.
“It is really a hands-on program, and that is something that really drew me in, but I have learned so much and truly feel ready to work after graduation,” John Brent, a current sophomore in the program said.
In the program and club, students will make several connections to important industry leaders throughout the south and be offered several internships and job opportunities. They often have guest speakers, go tour important plants/mills and meet potential employers through hands-on training.
Overall, the forestry program, while small, offers jam-packed courses that allow for students to learn, have opportunities and make a future for themselves. This program is open to any Jones student or prospective student looking to decide a major. For more information email bennett.burris@jcjc.edu.
by Rylee Burks
