Plant Science
Natural Resources/Park Management
It is essential that we learn to manage and protect our natural resources for present and future generations. Preservation of our forests, rivers, lakes, and ponds from pollution, protecting wildlife, and management of our parks are all aspects of study in the Natural Resources/Park Management major.
Graduates find any number of career options in both government and private industry. Many go to work directly with lumber companies, tree services, and municipalities. Others continue their education in the fields of forestry, park design, management, or various fields of ecology.
Students receive training in arboriculture: the cultivation of trees and shrubs. They learn climbing, pruning, and disease recognition and control. They learn to use GPS/GIS technology to track forest resources and tree inventories, as well as trail marking and trail management. Proper chain saw use, maintenance, and safety, as well as aspects of the sawmill, lumber, and timber industries are included in the program.
Water quality testing, ecological controls, park and wildlife management, and aquaculture complete and complement the course.
Students going into the Natural Resources area will be exposed to class material covering an aspects of forestry and forest products, tree health, chain saw operation, water ecology, wildlife habitat and identification, as well as a study of the management of parks and recreational areas. Students will also have the opportunity to take classes in landscape construction and arboriculture.
Finding employment in the field of Natural Resources can be very competitive. Many students looking for careers in the National or State park system seek further education beyond high school. However, employment can easily be found in related areas of arboriculture, urban forestry, and the landscape/ nursery industry.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Grade 11: Natural Resources 1, Fish and Wildlife Management, Arboriculture, Power Equipment Operation and Repair
Grade 12: Plant Science Entrepreneurship, Natural Resources II, Construction and Maintenance for Parks Management, Urban Forestry
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