Society of American Forester Convention

The Cal Forestry Club is also the student chapter of the Society of American Foresters. Each year, a national convention is hosted that provides an opportunity for foresters to update their continuing education credits and to learn more about the diverse types of forest management practiced throughout the country. The location of the convention varies from year to year, giving Cal Forestry students an opportunity to experience regional management and research firsthand.

The 2014 SAF convention was held at Salt Lake City, Utah. The 2014 convention was also exceptional in that it combined American Foresters with our international colleagues from the Canadian Institute of Forestry and the International Union of Forest Research Organizations making it one of the largest conferences in recent history.

At the convention, students have the opportunity to learn about forest practices, new technology, and interact with their peers from other forestry schools. The convention is usually 3 days long with sessions spread throughout presented by researchers, managers, policymakers, and more on the current and future considerations for ecosystem management in the complex ecological landscapes we live in. On the second evening of the conference, there is usually a UC Berkeley Alumni Mixer where students are able to spend time with Cal faculty and alumni.

The Cal Forestry Club pays for this trip by harvesting and selling Christmas trees, and through contributions from the Cal Alumni Foresters and NorCal SAF. This is a strong opportunity for students to interact with recruiters and professionals currently working in the field. In the past, students have consistently applied for and received employment through attendance at this convention.

For more information about the Society of American Foresters and the programs it offers, please visit their site at :http://www.safnet.org/