Penn State DuBois Wildlife Technology program supports statewide forest walks

DuBOIS, Pa. — Students, faculty and alumni from Penn State DuBois' Wildlife Technology program participated in two educational hikes on Oct. 4 as part of the annual Walk in Penn's Woods initiative, sharing their knowledge of tree identification, forest management and conservation with local community members and international visitors.

Coordinated by the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Walk in Penn's Woods is a statewide initiative that encourages residents and visitors to explore Pennsylvania's forests and learn more about their ecological, recreational and economic importance. The Wildlife Technology program at Penn State DuBois has contributed to the initiative for six consecutive years, providing students with opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge while engaging with the public and natural resource professionals.

During the morning hike at Bilger's Rocks, first-year Wildlife Technology students collaborated with staff from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry to provide an educational experience focused on tree identification. The hike took place at Bilger's Rocks, which recently became part of Moshannon State Forest, and gave participants an opportunity to learn about the region's trees and other plant species.

As part of their coursework, Wildlife Technology students learn to identify more than 100 species of trees, shrubs and vines, developing skills essential to careers in wildlife and natural resource management. Participating in the public hike allowed the students to apply that knowledge outside the classroom while sharing what they have learned with community members.

"Experiences like Walk in Penn's Woods give our students an opportunity to take what they're learning in the classroom and apply it in a real-world setting," Mike Eckley, assistant teaching professor in forestry at Penn State DuBois said. "They're not only strengthening their knowledge of the natural environment, but also developing the communication and professional skills they'll need as the next generation of wildlife and natural resource managers."

Later that afternoon, Penn State DuBois Wildlife Technology faculty and alumni led a forest management-focused hike at Community Woodlands at Treasure Lake for a group of international journalists visiting Pennsylvania through the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).

The journalists were visiting Pennsylvania as part of the production of "Forested Future," a film highlighting the sustainability, management and stewardship of American hardwood forests. Their visit to Treasure Lake provided an opportunity to showcase regional forest management practices, wildlife habitat improvements and partnerships supporting responsible forestry.

Eckley led the hike alongside recent Penn State graduate Elizabeth Bruner, who now works for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Together, they discussed differences between public and private land management and explained how forestry practices contribute to healthy forest ecosystems.

The hike highlighted recently completed forestry practices at Community Woodlands, where partnerships with Domtar Paper Company, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Ruffed Grouse Society and Audubon Mid-Atlantic have supported forest management and conservation efforts.

Through these partnerships, the project has supported timber stand improvement, wildlife habitat creation and invasive species removal. Eckley has also involved Penn State fisheries, wildlife and forestry students in the work, providing hands-on opportunities to learn about forest management and conservation.

The forest management project has also included the salvage harvesting of two American chestnut trees from the property. The Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, whose executive director, Amy Shields, helped arrange the journalists' visit, coordinated kiln drying of the lumber through Forcey Lumber in Woodland. Shields also serves on the Wildlife Technology program's advisory board and has supported student professional development through summer internship opportunities.

Eckley plans to work with Pennsylvania forest and wood products organizations to create commemorative pieces from the lumber in recognition of America's 250th anniversary.

A special preliminary showing of "Forested Future," a video production featuring Pennsylvania forests, local footage and interviews with natural resource professionals, is being planned for later this winter at Penn State DuBois. Students, faculty, staff and community members will be invited to attend, with additional details to be announced as plans are finalized.

Together, the two hikes demonstrated how Penn State DuBois' Wildlife Technology program connects classroom learning with practical experience while supporting conservation education and responsible forest management. Through partnerships with government agencies, industry professionals and conservation organizations, the program continues to provide students with opportunities to develop their skills, engage with the community and contribute to the stewardship of Pennsylvania's natural resources.