Students from all three high schools in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District recently had the opportunity to expand their knowledge and test their skills the in unique forestry challenge events.
Eight students from Cordova High School recently demonstrated their forestry knowledge and skills at the recent Shasta Forestry Challenge, held at Mountain Meadows Camp in Shingletown, California. They were among 118 students from 19 high schools across northern and central California, with Cordova High School earning the highest score in field testing placing fourth in the competition. The team earned a spot in the State Championship, scheduled for April at Camp Sylvester in Pinecrest. This achievement places them among the top 25% of teams that competed in the five fall events, qualifying for this prestigious competition.
At the Shasta Challenge, students tackled real-world forestry tasks, including assessing timber available for harvest under a Modified Timber Harvest Plan. Their work involved analyzing data to project landowner net income or loss based on their recommended harvest volume, taking into consideration current market prices, logging and hauling costs, and yield tax. Additionally, teams of students completed a field test to assess their technical forestry knowledge and data collection skills.
Cordova High School teacher Holly Chesnut shared her excitement for the event, saying, “The Forestry Challenge allows students hands-on and practical exposure to the forestry and natural resource sector. Through this intensive four-day program, students get to work with industry professionals and learn skills that are relevant not only to the industry but to all aspects of a successful life.”
For Cordova High junior Alexa Graham, the experience was transformative. “The Forestry Challenge is a very unique opportunity that I feel so lucky to be a part of. I’ve learned so much more out here than I would have in a classroom. We have access to so many more trees and other resources that we don’t have in Rancho Cordova,” she said.
Meanwhile, students from Folsom High School and Vista del Lago High School participated in the largest event of the Forestry Challenge season: the El Dorado Forestry Challenge at the American River Conservancy’s Wells Preserve near Somerset, California. This year’s event, which focused on the Wells Preserve Restoration Project, welcomed 139 students and 29 teachers and chaperones from 17 schools.
Students collected valuable data to assess the health of the Wells Preserve and recommended actions to restore its ecological function. Their findings are key to improving the health of the Cosumnes River watershed, contributing to ongoing environmental efforts.
At the El Dorado Forestry Challenge, Folsom High and Vista del Lago students were recognized for their efforts, with both schools tying for 3rd place in the pacing contest, which measured participants’ precision in walking a set distance.
“These hands-on events aim to inspire the next generation of forestry professionals and conservationists by blending classroom learning with practical, real-world applications,” the FCUSD shared across their social media pages. “A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the teachers and students who participated in these events. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work bring these opportunities to life and continue to foster a culture of learning and leadership within our schools.”
