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OSU Summer Forestry Camp tweaks tradition for the better
STILLWATER, Okla. – It has become one of Oklahoma State University’s most successful traditions, but there is a new and improved version of what OSU’s “Founding Fathers of Forestry” began more than 60 years ago.
What had been a
one-time seven-week Forestry Summer Camp in the OSU department of natural resource
ecology and management has been changed to two separate three-week camps in
May.
The change was brought on as a measure of economic efficiency, and in part due to concerns that the full summer camp took students out of the job realm for the entire summer. The three-week camps allow students to be back in Stillwater or their hometowns by the first of June, reopening those possibilities.
“Summer camp has been part of the forestry undergraduate experience for more than 60 years now,” said Tom Kuzmic, camp director for the last 30 years and forestry professor with OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “Our students rave about it.”
OSU Summer Forestry Camp gives students hands-on experience applying science-based management techniques. (Photo courtesy of Tom Kuzmic)
The first camp is targeted to forestry students who just finished their sophomore year. During this camp, which is held is southeastern Oklahoma, the students will get a better understanding of how forests grow and develop while learning how to inventory timber stands through sampling techniques.
“Many college courses teach the theory of management but very few actually go to the field to see how that theory is implemented,” said Keith Owens, NREM department head. “Summer camp is one of those courses where students experience real management and conservation problems.”
The second camp, while required for all forestry students, has a broader target range. All NREM students are encouraged to go to the camp following their junior year. Participants get a look at more resources than just the forest. It incorporates timber, wildlife, water, forage for grazing animals, recreational resources and virtually any other natural resource available.
“Our goal is to take the second camp out of state so that we can add an adventure element to the learning,” said Kuzmic. “Most of our students are Oklahoma natives. We want them to have a broader reaching vision and perspective.”
In addition to NREM faculty leading the learning experience, the camps also rely on local experts from natural resource agencies and corporations for various programs, activities and field tours.
“(The students) interact with professionals in the field, are presented with natural resource issues and are expected to present solutions to those problems,” Owens said. “The second session of summer camp also allows students to experience ecosystems not found in Oklahoma.”
The camps are designed to integrate resources and experience the various ecosystems and how they function in the region. Using one management prescription, the campers will learn to cover a lot of bases and capitalize on multiple benefits and values.
“The students get real-world experience and learn how to work in teams.” Kuzmic said. “With that comes leadership development, time management and a host of other professional skills. It gives OSU students a step up on a lot of graduates from other institutions when they enter the job market and step into their careers.”
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REPORTER/MEDIA
CONTACT:
Sean Hubbard
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
145 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078-0001
Phone: 405-744-4490
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: sean.hubbard@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating; Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.
