Silviculture is generally defined as the theory and practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests to meet diverse management objectives, needs and values. The Silviculture Research Group at the University of Alberta focuses on research related to the establishment and growth of forests in the western boreal forest. The guiding question for our research is: how can silvicultural practices be refined to meet the growing demands being placed on our forests including timber production, biodiversity and other ecosystem services? This includes research on both managed and naturally established forests, intensive and extensive management practices, and current and future silvicultural practices. The three pillars of our research relate to: 1) better understanding the silvics and autecology of trees and other plants, 2) understanding the ecological drivers controlling the differential growth responses among sites and soil types, and 3) incorporating operational treatments (or disturbance severity in natural forests). We conduct mainly field based research and all of our research projects incorporate at least two of these aspects.
Fall Field School
Silviculture
Forest Operations
A general overview of the practice of Forestry. This orientation includes an introduction to basic forest measurements, forest management practices, and will include tours of a number of major forest operations in Alberta. Course runs for six days just prior to Fall registration and includes a number of one hour sessions during the term, where students can connect with one another, forestry professors and professionals. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
Forest regeneration principles and techniques; stand tending including fertilization, thinning, pruning and drainage; harvesting systems for reforestation; nursery practices; reforestation, the law and current practices. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar. Prerequisite: BIOL 208.
Harvesting and transportation methods and technologies as applied to wood-harvesting operations. This is a general course for students who desire a basic knowledge of current technologies used to conduct forest operations. Normally offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: *60.
Directed study in the multiple aspects of renewable resources. Open to third or fourth year students upon consent of instructor. Some sections require payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
Directed study in the multiple aspects of renewable resources. Open to fourth year or graduate students upon consent of instructor.
Forest regeneration principles and techniques; stand tending including fertilization, thinning, pruning and drainage; harvesting systems for reforestation; nursery practices; reforestation, the law and current practices. Not to be taken if credit received for REN R 323. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
Harvesting and transportation methods and technologies as applied to wood-harvesting operations. This is a general course for students who desire a basic knowledge of current technologies used to conduct forest operations. Normally offered in alternate years. Not to be taken if credit received for REN R 335.