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Natural Resources

Instructor Meghan Luther

Instructor

Meghan Luther
meghan.luther@ncsuvt.org
802-334-2556 x4004

Scope and Sequence

A green circular logo with a saw blade design, featuring three houses, trees, and the text 'NATURAL RESOURCES'.

► 1 YEAR, 3 BLOCK DAILY PROGRAM Open to all eleventh and twelfth students who are in good academic standing. Tenth grade students may apply with permission. Please see your school counselor for details.

The focus of Natural Resources is broad, however specific proficiencies in several skills will be included: tractor operation, equipment maintenance, gathering and analyzing inventory data, management, planning, map use, maple syrup production, sawmilling,

timber harvesting and chainsaw use, wildlife management and arboricultural techniques. Students will learn and practice the ecological principles that help them understand the method and importance of being a good steward. 

► The goals of this program:

  • Foster an understanding of the complexity inherent in natural systems
  • Appreciate the interrelatedness between and within the geological, hydrological, and biological components of local forest, aquatic, and agricultural ecosystems
  • Build an awareness of the connection between good management practices and the resultuing social, environmental, and economic benefits
  • Introduce students to a variety of careers in natural resources
  • Provide students with the vocabulary, conceptual understanding, technical knowledge, and physical skills necessary to pursue natural resource careers
  • Engage students in project-based learning activities to develop safe and effective working practices
  • Enhance students’ transferable employment practices and values
  • Engage students with their local community by providing opportunities for field trips and community service projects. 

 

  • Natural Resources students showing younger students the sugar house.
  • Natural Resources students standing in forest.
  • Natural Resources students and equipment.
  • A Natural Resources students and equipment.
  • Natural Resources students climbing.
  • Natural Resources student chainsawing trees.
  • GRADES 10-12 | 240 MINUTES DAILY

    Text on a blue background showing 6 credits with 1 science credit embedded.

  • WMCC Dendrology and Intro to Tree ID 

    4 Credits

     

    WMCC Forestry Resources 

    4 Credits

    • Game of Logging Chainsaw Safety (Levels 1- 4)
    • Logger rescue and extraction training, first aid, AED, and CPR
    • VT LEAP (Logger Education to Advance Professionals)
    • OSHA-10
    • Stop the Bleed

Class Overview

This program will introduce students to various disciplines and skills involved in natural resource management careers.  The focus is broad, however specific proficiencies in several skills will be included: tractor operation, equipment maintenance, gathering and analyzing inventory data, management planning, map use, maple syrup production, sawmilling, timber harvesting and chainsaw use, wildlife management, and arboricultural techniques. Students will learn and practice the ecological principles that help them understand the methods and importance of being a good steward. The goals of this program are:

  • Foster an understanding of the complexity inherent in natural systems
  • Appreciate the interrelatedness between and within the geological, hydrological, and biological components of local forest, aquatic, and agricultural ecosystems
  • Build an awareness of the connection between good management practices and the resulting social, environmental, and economic benefits
  • Introduce students to a variety of careers in natural resources
  • Provide students with the vocabulary, conceptual understanding, technical knowledge, and physical skills necessary to pursue natural resource careers
  • Engage students in hands-on project-based learning activities to develop safe and effective working practices
  • Enhance students’ transferable employment practices and values
  • Engage students with their local community by providing opportunities for field trips and community service projects

Program Advisory Committee

A blue background with a white network of six connected people icons and the word 'MEMBERS' in green.

  • Allen Yale: Forest Landowner
  • Parker Castle: NEK Guides/fromer NCCC student
  • Rebecca Hunt: Community Member
  • Colleen Goodridge: Sawmill Owner
  • Jared Nunery: County Forester
  • Ian Irwin: Logger, GOL instructor/forest landowner 
  • Sam Nijensohn
  • Todd Morey: Maple sugar operator and former FFA advisor
  • Jacques Couture: Maple sugar operator and Orleans County Maple Board member