Forestry is ancient. It’s the identification and restoration of woodlands, the management of timber, and the stewardship of forests. It is finding the balance between human benefit and environmental responsibility.

Why study forestry at Sewanee?

The study of forestry looks at the important features, processes, and issues of forested areas that allow populations to thrive. Why study forestry here on the Mountain?

The Domain’s 13,000 acres is a living laboratory. Here at Sewanee, you will be a student of the land. The Cumberland Plateau offers a stunning amount of diversity, so you’ll never want for exploration. Topics include major tree species, forest biology, tree structure and function, silviculture, fisheries science, and U.S. forest policy and law. You will work closely with faculty, conduct research, and produce lab reports of findings.

FIRST DESTINATIONS: Forestry MAJORS

Sewanee graduates secure positions in a variety of fields. Some you would expect, others, are a bit of a surprise. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first job.

  • Forestry Technician, Bureau of Land Management, Kremmling, CO.
  • Land Manager, Forestry Consultants, Aiken, SC.
  • Forestry Technician (Fire Suppression), United States Forest Service, Delores, CO.

A Sampling of Courses

Dendrology
Forestry

This course explores the identification, biology, and morphology of woody plants, with emphasis on the major forest species of North America. Primary focus is on the ecophysiological characteristics of species and their roles in forest succession, species distribution across the landscape, and responses to disturbance and environmental stress. Includes field identification of native trees and shrubs of the eastern U.S., with special emphasis on the Cumberland Plateau and the southeast. Lecture, lab, and field trips.

FORS 211
Forests: Food, Medicine, and More
Forestry

An exploration of the wide range of edible, medicinal, and otherwise useful forest products found in forests of western and eastern North America, including the forests of Sewanee. In addition to learning about the biology and distribution of these plants and how they are gathered and processed, students discuss the ecological implications of harvesting these interesting plants and fungi. Note: The class involves some eating.

FORS 250
Natural Resource Management and Decisions
Forestry

A survey of theory and methods used in natural resource management analysis and decision making with an emphasis on forests and some other renewable resources such as wildlife. Students will use resource modeling and decision-making software to address problems in managing multiple resources. Emphasis will be on: evaluation of the effects of land characteristics, tax policy, risk, and interest rates; choice among policy alternatives proposed by competing groups; and application of concepts of management, policy, economics, and spatial analysis to land management.

FORS 319
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Forestry

Programs of Study & Related Programs

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Forestry

Requirements for the Minor in Environmental Studies | Website

Requirements for the Minor in Archaeology | Website

Requirements for the Major in Environment & Sustainability | Website

Requirements for the Major in Environmental Arts & Humanities | Website

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Geology | Website

Requirements for the Major in Natural Resources & the Environment | Website

Requirements for the Minor in Religion & Environment | Website

Meet some professors

Karen Kuers
kkeurs@sewanee.edu

Karen Kuers is the coordinator of a 50-acre instrumented watershed (Split Creek) located on the Domain of the University of the South. The project began with her participation in a multi-college research project entitled "Collaboration Through Appalachian Watershed Studies". She teaches forestry, dendrology, silviculture, urban forestry management, watershed measurements, and many more.

Professor of Forestry
Scott Torreano
storrean@sewanee.edu

Scott Torreano earned a B.S. Michigan Technological University, M.S. North Carolina State University, and Ph.D. 1992, University of Georgia. His areas of expertise include soils, biometrics, forest management, and silviculture.

Professor of Forestry
C. Ken Smith
ksmith@sewanee.edu

Ken currently teaches forestry and environmental studies classes, supervises independent research with students, conducts other research related to human impacts on soils, and conducts forest management activities on university property including the use of forest harvesting and prescribed fire (oak and shortleaf pine restoration). Ken also served as University Forester for 12 years. He worked on 20 thinning or harvest units and, as a Tennessee Certified Burn Manager, conducted over 40 prescribed fires on the property.

PROFESSOR AND ASSISTANT DEAN OF THE ENVIRONMENT
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Contact

Sarah C. Sherwood
Associate Professor and University Archaeologist

sherwood@sewanee.edu

Snowden Hall 220, Ext. 3396

C. Ken Smith
Professor and Assistant Dean of the Environment

ksmith@sewanee.edu

Cleveland Annex 101A, Snowden Hall 209, Ext. 3219

The Domain: An Immersive Experience

Integrated Program in the Environment
6 Majors, 6 Minors, 13,000 Acres

Sewanee's Integrated Program in the Environment is one of the premier collections of environmental offerings in the country. A working farm, a 13,000-acre forest, and well-funded internships offer opportunities to apply your classroom learning. An expansive curriculum—including natural and social sciences as well as the humanities and fine arts—offers students multiple pathways for gaining an understanding of the ecological complexity and wonder of the earth we inhabit.

Explore Your Options
Sustainability & Stewardship
Hand-on Experience

The Office of Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability offers students a variety of opportunities to get involved with land management, sustainable practices, etc.

Get Involved
The University Farm
Where Growth Happens

The University Farm seeks to give you a transformative experience through the immersive and intimate practice of restorative agriculture. The Farm offers opportunities to enhance your education and connect with the history of agriculture—especially how these ideas affect the plateau. And if you’re lucky, there will be some baby goats around during finals.

Yes, I love baby goats