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From Montreal to Fredericton, from the classroom to the forest floor, and eventually into leadership and consulting, Fern da Silva’s journey as a UNB Forestry alumnus is a story of resilience, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Graduating in 1981 with a B.Sc. in Forestry – Resource Management from the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management (ForEM), Fern has built a dynamic career that spans forestry operations, rail infrastructure, and business consulting.

Choosing the road less traveled

Fern’s academic journey began with an unconventional choice. While his parents envisioned him studying engineering at McGill, Fern was drawn to something different, something greener. Influenced by friends attending UNB and a weekend visit to Fredericton that left a lasting impression, he decided to forge his own path.

“I fell in love with Fredericton,” Fern recalls. “I wanted to do something out of the norm.”

That decision laid the foundation for decades of professional growth and global engagement.

Degree that built more than a career

One of Fern’s most memorable academic experiences was participating in a Multiple Use Management Study for CFB Gagetown, which ignited his passion for integrated land-use planning. Summers spent with the Alberta Forest Service and hands-on courses like Chainsaw Operating, along with leadership roles on the Forestry Woodsman/Women Team, added real-world muscle to his academic foundation.

“It taught me how to structure my path forward in an effective and timely manner,” he says.

That same structure helped him establish his own consulting firm, Fernwood – Sales, Procurement & Consulting Inc.

A career that crossed tracks

Although Fern's forestry roots are strong, his career branched out, quite literally. As a Forester for CP Rail, he became a bridge between forestry science and railway engineering. His contributions ranged from supplier negotiations to rewriting engineering specifications for railway ties. He credits much of his adaptability to his forestry education.

“Even when I wasn’t working in forestry, I had no problem integrating myself into other sectors.”

And although the tech landscape has transformed since the 1980s, Fern embraced change, teaching his team how to use programs like Word and Excel, embodying his mantra: “Never stop learning.”

Life in Fredericton and lifelong lessons

What stood out most about studying at UNB for Fern? The community and sense of belonging.

“I’ve been to a lot of universities across North America, and none of them have given me the same feeling as I had at UNB, Fredericton,” he says.

Whether it was playing varsity soccer, managing intramural teams, or simply soaking in the campus environment, Fern describes his time at UNB as transformative.

Advice for future forestry and environmental leaders

For those considering a degree in forestry or environmental management, Fern offers heartfelt and practical advice:

• Be ready to immerse yourself fully in the program.
• Understand the science of carbonization.
Learn where the world’s largest forests are. And most importantly: “Never stop learning.”

“If you want to contribute to the Earth’s overall benefit, this is the program for you,” he says.

Full circle: From student to mentor

Today, Fern is happily retired, occasionally consulting and staying connected with former colleagues. But the legacy of his UNB experience remains as vibrant as ever.

“It made me what I am today,” he reflects.

His endorsement of the program? Unwavering.

“Without hesitation. Just being outside most of the time is a bonus. And the people in this sector are second to none.”

Inspired by Fern’s story? Ready to blaze your own trail?

Explore the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management at UNB and see how you can turn your passion for nature into a purposeful career.

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