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Wisconsin Forestry Careers Coalition Applied High School Curriculum

Coming in 2024!

Applied High School Curriculum

The Wisconsin Forestry Center at UW-Stevens Point coordinates the Wisconsin Forestry Careers Coalition (WFCC) to address the urgent need for skilled workers in the forestry industry. Applied high school curriculum being developed as part of the WFCC will prepare high school juniors and seniors with the knowledge and skills needed for forestry careers. Students who complete the curriculum will be better prepared to enter the workforce in entry-level forestry positions, enroll in WFCC immersion training programs in mill technology or forest operations, or continue their education at technical schools or UW-Stevens Point.

The WFCC is seeking high schools to pilot the curriculum during the 2024-25 school year. To pilot one or more of the modules, contact Jared Schroeder for early access to the curriculum.

High School Curriculum Modules

Though the applied forestry curriculum is written as progressive lessons, the modular nature allows teachers to select specific modules to fit into existing curriculum, whether biology, environmental science, forestry, or wood products courses. Within the modules, activities can scale based on the needs of the students, from foundational knowledge to more complex applied concepts. The goal of the curriculum is not only to build skills for students but also to provide ease of use for teachers by allowing flexibility and choice.

Tree Identification and Biology

Module 1

Understanding foundational tree biology is essential in the forest industry. This module covers tree biology, how trees grow, and identification using leaves, twigs, and form.

Forest Health

Module 2

A changing climate and global transport have made the threat of forest pests and disease higher than ever. Healthy forests provide healthy ecosystems and high-quality forest products. This module includes an overview of spotting unhealthy trees and then focuses on insect pests, diseases, and invasive species.

Silviculture

Module 3

Students will learn about the steps for establishing forests, how trees can be promoted through intermediate harvests, and what harvests look like. Along the way, they learn forest measurement techniques, silvicultural practices, common equipment, and safety.

Forest Products

Module 4

The Forest Products module covers the process of turning logs into lumber and paper products as well as the ecological services that forests provide. Students will develop skills in identifying wood, grading logs and lumber, scaling logs, milling and kiln drying lumber, and identifying how to leverage ecological services.

Skills Camp

One-week immersive experience

Skills Camp, a one-week experience held during summer at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, is a capstone for students strongly considering a forestry career. The camp features hands-on instruction in tree ID, chainsaw safety and tree felling, milling and drying, and log and lumber grading.

Forestry Equipment Teacher Trainings

Coming during the 2024-25 school year!

Train-the-Teacher workshops are scheduled for the 2024-25 school year to prepare teachers to offer applied high school forestry curriculum as part of the Wisconsin Forestry Careers Coalition (WFCC). Trainings will cover timber harvester simulators, chainsaw safety and tree felling, and portable sawmill and kiln operation. Scroll through using the slider below to see the training topics.

Timber Harvester Simulator Teacher Training

Coming during the 2024-25 school year!

The Ponsse harvester simulator​ gives students experience operating cut-to-length harvesting machines in the safety of the classroom. Pre-generated, automatic scoring training modules walk students through general operating procedures from boom movement to harvest. This teacher training will give you experience operating the harvester simulator and the programs used to run the simulations as well as an opportunity to explore applications for the classroom. View a previous training agenda.

Chainsaw Safety and Tree Felling Teacher Training

Coming in 2025!

Chainsaw safety is an essential part of forestry and logging. In this training we will cover chainsaw safety, general maintenance, and experiencing the basics of tree felling. We also will explore how to incorporate chainsaws and tree felling into your curriculum. Safety equipment will be provided. View a previous Chainsaw Safety and Tree Felling Teacher Training agenda.

Portable Sawmill and Kiln Operation Teacher Training

Coming during the 2024-25 school year!

If you can’t bring your students to a full scale sawmill or kiln, then bring a portable one to them. This training will show you how to operate the TimberKing 2020 portable sawmill including basic milling techniques. You will also be trained on the basics of kiln drying lumber and how to operate our portable kiln. ​​View a previous workshop agenda.

REAL-WORLD FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

Teachers will have full support for this curriculum through the use of:

  • Two Ponsse full harvester and forwarder simulators.
  • Two portable TimberKing sawmills.
  • Two portable drying kilns.
  • Two equipment trailers containing forestry tools.
  • Educational trunks including basic tree measurement equipment and personal protective equipment.
CWES | Amherst Junction, Wis.

High School Forestry Skills Camp

July 21-26, 2024

Forestry Skills Camp is a one-week experience designed for high school students completing their junior and senior year in 2024. It will be held at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, a UW-Stevens Point field station. The Skills Camp features hands-on instruction in tree identification, chainsaw safety and tree felling, equipment operation, milling and drying, and log and lumber grading. By the end of the week, students will earn 1 credit in Forestry 350 at UW-Stevens Point and will gain relevant skills in forestry careers. Scholarship applications for 2024 are now closed, so stay tuned for Skills Camp dates and an enrollment process for 2025.

For More Information

Jared Schroeder

Jared Schroeder

  • High School Program Manager
  • Wisconsin Forestry Center
  • College of Natural Resources
College of Natural Resources, Outreach and Extension, Wisconsin Forestry Center
715-346-2084