FOR 123NForests, Trees, and People

3 credits · Forestry · Penn State

This course focuses on the relationships among forests, trees, and people. Trees are the building blocks of forests, so the course begins with an introduction to how trees work: how do they grow? how do they use water? how do they store carbon? how do they reproduce? how do people and wildlife use trees? From there the course moves on to forest ecosystem services such as timber and non-timber products, carbon storage, watershed protection, and cultural connection. How are ecosystem services measured and how does society place monetary and non-monetary values on the services? The diversity of relationships between people and forests is discussed throughout the course, and common professions centered around trees and forests are introduced.