NNRG Partners with Foster High School for Innovative Forestry Certificate Program

Written by Laura Linn, NNRG Program Manager

This spring, we launched an new forestry curriculum for high school students in partnership with Foster High School in Tukwila, thanks to the generous support of the Russell Family Foundation. As the new program manager, I was excited to return to my roots in education and outreach, and this was one of my first major initiatives. Collaborating with our forester, Jaal Mann, to develop this curriculum has been a highlight of my role so far. The program aims to introduce students to forestry and forest ecology, inspiring them to explore these fields as potential career paths.

Branching Out: Engaging Students with Forestry

We teamed up with Mr. Gunning, the environmental science teacher at Foster High School, to create a comprehensive four-week curriculum. This was his first time developing this course, and he wanted to include Washington’s rich history of forestry.

When another teacher suggested collaborating with NNRG, Mr. Gunning saw it as a fantastic opportunity to incorporate hands-on learning with industry professionals. The program features twenty-one 50-minute lessons designed for a classroom setting with minimal teacher preparation. While there are many great curricula available, they often require extensive time to read through and prepare. We aimed to keep things simple with a plug-and-play approach, which Mr. Gunning appreciated, as it also allowed students to take ownership of their learning by researching topics and presenting to their peers.

Around 70 students took part in a mix of classroom learning and hands-on forest activities. Some of their favorite lessons included exploring the history of Washington’s forests and studying plant adaptations. Mr. Gunning appreciated the curriculum’s balance of individual and group work and the blend of indoor and outdoor activities. Knowing that some lessons would take them outside to explore the natural world kept students engaged and motivated. To highlight forestry as a career option, NNRG forester Gustavo Segura Flores visited the class to share his career journey and what a typical day looks like for a forester. This was another standout moment, as it helped demystify the role of a forester and showed students that a career in forestry is more accessible than they might have thought.

The ultimate highlight for both the school and our team was taking the students to Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center to inventory NNRG’s monitoring plots. Prior to this, they had practiced taking measurements and using forestry tools on their school campus, where the non-native trees were sparse and not very tall. Being in the forest, surrounded by towering trees they couldn’t see the tops of, was a completely different experience.

Students who were typically quiet in the classroom stepped up as leaders in the forest, teaching their peers how to use clinometers and diameter tapes. Others, used to staying on the trail, were thrilled to venture off-path and immerse themselves in the forest environment. Their excitement was clear from testimonials like “This is the best day” and “I’m actually having fun.”

Guided by NNRG’s forestry team, the students identified tree species, took measurements, and collected data on downed wood and understory species, making the learning hands-on and memorable.

For the final assessment, students applied what they learned to write a forest management plan tailored to specific site conditions. They took great pride in receiving their certificates as they took off for summer break. This certificate not only highlights their newly acquired knowledge and skills but also strengthens their resumes for future educational and career opportunities.

 Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum is structured around the Pacific Education Institute (PEI) standards, tailored to meet the needs of Foster High School’s environmental science two program. Key components include:

• Forest Ecology 101
  • History of Washington Forests
  • Forest Succession, Biology and Anatomy
  • Adaptations and Plant Identification 
  • Habitat Management
  • Ethnobotany 

• Tree Measurements and Inventory
  • Taking Tree Measurements
  • Calculating Volume 
  • Plot Set Up
  • Plot Inventory in the field 
  • Carbon Storage

• Silviculture and Harvest Layout
  • Harvesting Methods 
  • Soils Surveys
  • Urban Trees
  • Forest Management Planning

Looking ahead, we plan to feature the program on our website and offer an online assessment for students to earn their forestry certificate. As we continue to develop and expand this curriculum, NNRG is dedicated to deepening students’ connection with the natural world. Our goal is to equip the next generation with valuable knowledge and skills in forestry, inspiring future leaders in sustainable forest management and conservation. If you’re a high school teacher interested in learning more about the curriculum, please reach out to us at outreach@nnrg.org.

We thank the Russell Family Foundation for their invaluable support in making this program a reality. Together, we are planting the seeds for a sustainable future, one student at a time.