Incorporating agroforestry into traditional forestry classes

Abstract

Agroforestry is a new topic to many undergraduates in Forestry programs. With the increasing importance of wood harvested from private lands and farm forests, an understanding of integrating timber harvest and agriculture is valuable for foresters working in the United States. With global sourcing of wood playing a larger role than ever in the United States wood product market, knowledge of agroforestry systems is essential. At University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, the concepts of agroforestry are being included in traditional forestry course with interesting results. These concepts have been included on an experimental basis in three courses: Silviculture, Regional Silviculture and International Resource Management. I will discuss the implementation of these modules at UWSP, student response to these modules and some observations on student acceptance and reluctance to accept these practices.