Forestry & Environmental Management

Access to the great outdoors is critical for budding forestry students to test their skills and reinforce classroom theories. At the University of New Brunswick, the faculty of forestry and environmental management makes the most of its unique location and unmatched wilderness access to provide students with the best hands-on education and preparation for the job market.

The historic city of Fredericton has a small-town feel, creating a warm and welcoming community for the thousands of students who live and study there. For forestry students especially, Fredericton’s proximity to numerous forests and ecosystems allows them to get their hands on their subject matter in almost no time at all.

“There are always events and entertainment in Fredericton, but we’re also close to small and large outdoor areas. You can leave Fredericton and in only 20 minutes be in a secluded forested area for your field courses,” said Claire Ferguson, a fourth-year environment and natural resources student.

“Foresters study everything in the natural world, and we can easily do that in Fredericton,” said Spencer Reagon, a third-year forestry student. “Our city is the perfect balance of activity and nature.”

Fredericton, New Brunswick’s capital, is home to 60,000 residents. Nestled next to densely forested land, it’s a short drive to wilderness areas and Fundy National Park.

Reagon is originally from British Columbia and chose to study at the University of New Brunswick because of the quality of its forestry program, its small class sizes and the famous East Coast hospitality that Fredericton is known for.

“UNB is ranked as one of Canada’s best forestry programs and the learning environment is top notch,” he said. “You’re more than just a number – at UNB it’s more like a family.”

The small classes allow students to get to know their professors, bond with their classmates, and excel academically. It also results in more opportunities for students, including working with real companies across Canada to solve problems affecting the industry today.

Ferguson is working with Agriculture and Agri Food Canada to develop a forest management plan for their 250 acres of forest, located at the Fredericton Research and Development Centre. She’s helping them take inventory of what they have, plan for the future and consider the effects of climate change.

“What’s great about this program is it prepares you for everything. You learn about so many different elements of the industry and it can take you anywhere for your career,” Ferguson said.

UNB’s forestry program connects students with industry leaders and creates opportunities for summer and long-term employment; 95 per cent of UNB forestry students have jobs by the time they graduate. The hands-on nature of the program ensures students are prepared for working in the real world.

Reagon has had summer employment in every year of his program, working two summers as a forestry engineer in the B.C. Interior, and a third as a silvicultural surveyor on Vancouver Island.

He also had the opportunity to do an exchange to Bangor University in Wales, helping to grow their forestry program and expand community engagement. While there, he also had the chance to attend the 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Germany.

“I watched them discuss the Paris Agreement and got to speak with senior officials and top climate change scientists. I was exposed to different environmental resource management and able to bring it back and apply it to my studies,” Reagon said.

Unique opportunities combined with ample hands-on learning, real-world experiences and knowledgeable faculty members are why Ferguson chose UNB.

“UNB is a family and Fredericton is a warm, welcoming city,” said Ferguson. “You’ll be on a first-name basis with professors and have quality mentorship as you go. Everyone at UNB wants you to succeed.”