Forestry

In Diseases of Trees & Shrubs, students will learn how to properly diagnose and treat specific diseases, abiotic disorders, and insect pests which attack woody plants.

A study of nomenclature, identification, and landscape characteristics of native and introduced deciduous and evergreen woody plants.

Students will explore the benefits of parks and innovative ways to incorporate parks and greenspace into cities. Such as building trails on abandoned train tracks, establishing community gardens, removing parking, and adding rooftop gardens.

Students will learn the principles of effective urban forest management including planning, cultural practices, organization, financial management and regulations affecting the management of urban trees.

Students will learn about the different types of climbing equipment and how it is used for pruning and tree removal. They will also be introduced to industry safety and quality standards, as well as how to recognize potential hazards and how to use these skills to create a safe work environment.

Students taking arboriculture will learn how to properly care for trees and shrubs. They will also learn about the biology, development, and growth of woody plants. A main focus of this course will be on modern principles of plant health care.

Students will learn advanced arboriculture practices such as the transplanting of large trees, preserving existing trees on construction sites, cabling, bracing, and the evaluation of hazardous trees.

Students will learn how to make effective pruning cuts and how trees respond to them. They will learn which tools are used and the proper timing for different pruning methods. The concept of structural pruning will be discussed, as well as how to prune shrubs, roots and storm-damaged trees.

Urban Forestry Capstone will focus on the development of an urban forest management plan. Students will address problems such as Dutch elm disease, major flooding, and Emerald ash borer, which plague urban forests. Students will present a written plan to deal with these and other urban forestry issues.

An internship is required of most AAS programs. This course is available to AA and AS students as well. The students combine course learning with practical, professional work experience in their chosen field of study. The employer does an evaluation of the work experience: The faculty advisor supervises the students; the students are required to complete a project assigned by the faculty advisor. A minimum of 40 hrs of work is required to earn one credit. A grade of S/U is given by the faculty.