Hopkins Hosts FNRL State Convention
The Hopkins Demonstration Forest was host, again, for the statewide Forestry and Natural Resource Leaders (FNRL) annual convention held April 29-30. Thirteen high schools from around Oregon participated bringing more than 150 students to the event.
According to Peter Matzka, Forestry Educator for FFI and a creator of the event five years ago, “FNRL is a FFA-like organization that was formed to provide educational opportunities for high school students wanting to learn modern skills needed to care for our forests and to prepare themselves for furthering their education and/or entering the workforce.”
The statewide convention brings students together to test their knowledge, abilities and skills with others from around Oregon. This was the first “in-person” convention since 2019.
Students working to identify plant specimens. Tree and plant identification is essential for those working in the forest.
Identifying animals and wildlife in the forest is another important skill being evaluated.
