Regional and Community Forestry
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College
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Hours Required
120 credit hours -
Minors Available
Environmental Education, Urban Forestry
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Areas of Focus
Arboriculture, Urban Forestry
The Nebraska Difference
Individualized Advising
Get 1-to-1 guidance from a dedicated academic advisor.
Outside the Classroom
Build practical skills close to home or through global hands-on experiences.
Build Your Network
Connect with faculty and alumni who open career pathways early.
Research Opportunities
Tackle real-world questions through community-based research opportunities.
Program Features
Create Your Future
Choose an emphasis area to guide your studies. Urban forestry focuses on managing trees where we live, work and explore. Arboriculture explores modern tree care across diverse landscapes. All students learn to manage trees and woody plants, understand their role in natural resources and apply them in community development.
Gain Practical Experiences
Apply what you learn through classes, student organizations, work experiences and hands-on workshops. Work alongside arborists and industry professionals, manage ecosystems and invasive species, build conservation strategies with communities and teach others about the outdoors—all while gaining real-world skills.
Apply Your Knowledge
Gain real-world experience through partnerships with organizations like the Nebraska Forest Service, Lincoln Parks and Recreation and the Arbor Day Foundation. Develop, implement and evaluate tree and forestry management plans while working on projects that make an impact in local communities.
Notable Courses
Study and Identification of Trees and Shrubs (NRES 201)
Introduction to naming, identification and natural history of woody trees and shrubs in North America, emphasizing species common to Nebraska.
Woody Plants for Landscapes: Identification, Management and Use (NRES 212)
Identification, management and design uses of trees and shrubs for sustainable landscapes, with emphasis on native and Plains-adapted species.
Arboriculture: Maintenance & Selection of Landscape Trees (NRES 321)
Applied tree science, including species selection, managing defects and addressing common pests across a range of landscape conditions.
Tree Biology (NRES 302)
Study of the structure and function of woody plants, focusing on trees in temperate climates.
Green Space and Urban Forestry Management (NRES 457)
Management of trees, parks and green infrastructure in rural and urban communities, with perspectives from planning, forestry and environmental policy.
Natural Resources Orientation (NRES 101)
Introduction to natural resource fields, including forestry, wildlife and habitat management, with early career exploration and networking opportunities.
Huskers Do Big Things
Internships
- Sustainability Intern, Lincoln Public Schools
- Outdoor Education Intern, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
- Plant Care Technician, Center for Grassland Studies
- Forestry Technician, Nebraska Forest Service
- Green Intern, Downtown Lincoln Association
Careers
- Forester, Nebraska Forest Service
- Nature Interpreter, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
- Forestry Advisor, National Wild Turkey Federation
- Senior Habit and Land Manager, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
- Prescribed Fire Educator, UNL
Graduate Schools
- Doctor of Plant Health, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- M.S. in Community and Regional Planning, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- M.S. in Forestry, Colorado State University
- M.S. & Ph.D. in Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Outside the Classroom
The School of Natural Resources encourages you to get involved beyond the classroom. Here, your education is built on experiences, not just lectures.
Study conservation and natural resources in diverse settings. Watch sandhill cranes migrate through Nebraska, research Lake McConaughy at Cedar Point, explore trees in South Africa or study rainforests in Puerto Rico.
Join student organizations and find your community at Nebraska. The Forestry Club connects you to careers, builds tree-climbing skills and promotes understanding of the value of trees, shrubs and forests.
Apply for the Cabela’s Apprenticeship Program to fund hands-on experiences in conservation, research and outreach. Support internships, research projects and outreach work while gaining real-world experience.
Build strong relationships with community partners while gaining hands-on experience. Apply what you learn, explore career paths and contribute to meaningful work that supports communities in Nebraska and beyond.
Featured Faculty
Lord Ameyaw, Professor and Forester
Lord Ameyaw works with students in the classroom and on research at the intersection of forestry, agriculture and community planning. Students partner with local communities to integrate trees into landscapes and explore their benefits. They examine what to plant, why it matters and how communities gain value. Students may also study abroad in South Africa to see these concepts applied across diverse ecosystems.
Academics & Experiential Learning
- Your Student Success Team and School of Natural Resources faculty support you in staying on track to graduate and exploring career paths.
- Employers and industry professionals regularly visit campus to share insights on today’s most important natural resource issues.
Career Preparedness
- Work with community partners and natural resource professionals during class, building connections with future employers on and off campus.
- Access career support to explore opportunities, build your résumé and cover letter, and prepare for interviews.
Community
- Join student organizations, such as the Forestry Club or Range Management Club, to connect with peers who share your interests.
- A dedicated Student Success Team is ready to support your success and help you navigate your academic journey.
- Engage with a strong network of alumni and community partners through events, projects and professional connections.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help
If you have questions about the Regional and Community Forestry major or navigating the application process, contact us.
- Contact Name
- Ann Powers
- Contact Title
- Forestry Lecturer
- Phone
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