From August 12-15, 2024, sixteen educators from across the Atlantic Provinces gathered in Fredericton, New Brunswick, for the Forests Worth Knowing: Atlantic Teachers’ Tour. This immersive professional development experience offered a comprehensive look at forestry, environmental sustainability, and career opportunities in the forest sector. Through hands-on activities, field tours, and expert-led discussions, participants explored the journey of forests from seed to shelf while engaging with industry professionals.
Over four days, teachers gained first-hand insights into sustainable forestry, environmental stewardship, and career pathways, fostering collaboration, hands-on learning, and professional growth.
Participants described ATT as one of the best learning opportunities available to teachers, allowing them to connect with industry professionals, scientists, and forestry experts. The immersive nature of the tour helped broaden their understanding of sustainable forest management, including its role in biodiversity, conservation, climate adaptation, and economic development. Many expressed a newfound appreciation for the depth of planning, technology, and sustainability efforts that go into forestry operations.
A key takeaway for many was the practical application of forestry knowledge in the classroom. Teachers left inspired to integrate tree identification, nature journaling, outdoor education, and career awareness activities into their curricula. Several noted they now feel better equipped to provide students with informed career advice beyond traditional trades and sciences, particularly regarding the wide range of forestry-related careers available.
Collaboration was another highlight of the experience. Teachers valued the opportunity to network with like-minded peers, share ideas, and engage in rich discussions beyond the scheduled programming. Many plan to spread awareness within their schools and communities, incorporating environmental lessons, sustainability discussions, and cross-curricular activities into their teaching.
The real-world experiences—from visiting private woodlots and research forests to stepping inside a harvester and tracing a tree’s journey from forest to finished product—left a lasting impact. Several participants noted they now see forests with newfound respect and understanding, recognizing the passion, dedication, and innovation that drive the industry.
The 2024 Atlantic Teachers’ Tour is more than just a professional development opportunity—it is a transformational experience that changes perspectives, fosters collaboration, and inspires action to bring the world of forestry into classrooms across Atlantic Canada.
The tour began at O’Dell Park Lodge, where participants registered and received an overview of the tour objectives and schedule. A welcome address highlighted the role of urban forests in green space management, flood mitigation, and climate change adaptation.
A Forestry 101 session introduced teachers to fundamental forestry, followed by presentations on forestry principles and forest resource planning. An interactive Urban Park Scavenger Hunt engaged participants in tree identification, forestry tool use, and wildlife habitat discovery.
The day concluded with a reception and dinner, featuring a keynote presentation on Indigenous knowledge and the importance of water stewardship.
Participants embarked on a full-day field tour, starting at the Acadia Research Forest, where they explored climate change research, invasive species management, and DNA extraction activities. At the White Pine Management Area, they observed a live harvesting operation.
A visit to a pine sawmill provided an in-depth look at sawmill operations, while discussions with a landowner and contractor at a private woodlot highlighted sustainable land management practices and the role of local marketing boards.
The evening’s dinner and presentation focused on the role of mass timber construction in enhancing educational environments.
Day 3 of the Atlantic Teachers’ Tour continued the journey from seed to shelf and the role of technology in forestry. The morning began with a live harvesting operation at a private woodlot where teachers got into the equipment and had a chance to hear from forestry contractors and meet an up an coming female operator, followed by a tour of Kingsclear Nursery, where teachers learned about tree improvement strategies. At the Maritime College of Forest Technology (MCFT), participants attended presentations on Net Zero strategies and LiDAR applications in forestry. The afternoon featured hands-on experiences at the Forestry Complex, including an Indigenous seed collection session, outdoor learning activities, and a wildlife and dendrology lab where teachers practiced tree identification and measurement techniques. The day ended with an interactive trivia night and an opportunity to test the Irving Harvesting Simulator.
On Day 4, the focus shifted to educational resources and career pathways. During a World Café session, teachers rotated through interactive stations covering curriculum connections, invasive species awareness, student outreach activities, and hands-on harvesting simulations. The tour wrapped up with presentations on the role of managed forests in biodiversity conservation and an overview of training and career opportunities in forestry, featuring insights from MCFT, NSCC, and UNB. The final discussions emphasized the importance of sustainable forest management and the diverse career paths available in the industry, equipping teachers with valuable knowledge to share with their students.
The Forests Worth Knowing Atlantic Teachers’ Tour Partnership will continue working throughout the year to enhance and expand this unique learning experience, ensuring that teachers remain at the forefront of forestry education in Atlantic Canada.
Acadian Timber
Association for Sustainable Forestry
Canadian Woodlands Forum
CIFNL
Elmsdale Lumber Co. Ltd.
Forest Nova Scotia Inc.
Forestry Safety Society of NS
GovNL
Groupe Savoie
H.C. Haynes Inc.
Harry Freeman & Sons
J.D. Irving Limited
Ledwidge Lumber
Maritime College of Forest Technology
Maritime Lumber Bureau/Atlantic Woodworks
NB Dept of Education and Early Childhood
NB Dept of Natural Resources & Energy Development
NB Forest Technicians Association
NR Can – Canadian Forest Service
NS Dept. of Natural Resources & Renewables – Truro
NS Forest Sector Council
Paper Excellence of Canada
PEI Dept. Communities, Land & Environment
Port Hawkesbury Paper LP
Registered Professional Foresters Association of NS
Resource Innovations – NL
Scotsburn Lumber Ltd.
SFI Atlantic SIC Committee
Sexton Lumber – NL
University of New Brunswick
Wagner Forest NS Ltd.
Westfor Management Inc.
Wood Products Manufacturing Assoc. of NS
York Sunbury Charlotte Marketing Board
The Canadian Woodlands Forum, (CWF), is a not-for-profit membership-based organization recognized for its commitment to effective, quality woodlands operations in support of sustainable forest management.