FORKS, Wash. – Peninsula College has just announced its first-ever Natural Resources Program scheduled to begin in the fall at their Forks campus, and enrollment is now under way.
In partnership with community funders, including $105,000 from forest products company Merrill & Ring, the one-year program aims to answer the call from regional employers eager to hire STEM-educated natural resource professionals for careers in forestry, conservation, fire science, and other related fields.
A statement from Merrill & Ring says the goal is to create a home-grown skilled workforce that will benefit the economy, local resources, and the region.
The one-year course includes forest ecology, water quality, fisheries, fire science, and wildlife habitat management classes. In addition, the program will consist of in-class learning, lab sciences, outdoor learning, and internship opportunities.
The program is in response to the increasing demand for natural resource management technicians. A labor report shared by Peninsula College reveals Clallam and Jefferson counties as “hot spots” for forestry and conservation careers.
The first Natural Resources Program classes will begin this fall at the Forks campus for a total of 24 students. Enrollment for the program began May 30 for current students and June 2 for new or returning students. Classes can be stacked into one or more natural resources certificates, with the ability to earn an Associate of Applied Science Transfer degree.
To learn more about the Natural Resource Program enrollment, visit: www.pencol.edu/admissions
Merrill & Ring is a family-owned forest products company that owns and manages working forests throughout Western Washington. For more than 135 years, Merrill & Ring families have been committed to the stewardship of working forests that enable clean air, produce essential
green building materials and paper products, provide healthy habitat for fish and wildlife, and support the state and local economies. Learn more at www.merrillring.com