A forest is more than just its trees. It is a complete ecosystem with wildlife, clean air, and clean water. It is a place controlled by sunlight, rainfall, temperature, and soil. It is sometimes disturbed by natural forces like weather, insects, or tree disease. Human activities such as logging or land clearing can also disturb a wooded area. Keeping our forests healthy is a big job—many big jobs, in fact! Each of these people have a career in forestry. Their efforts help sustain our forests.

Ken Price

Forest Technician

Vancouver Island,
British Columbia, Canada

I work with foresters to maintain forestland.

A forest is a renewable resource. What grows there can grow again. My main responsibility is to manage the ties between my company and First Nations—the indigenous peoples in Canada. Indigenous people are the original inhabitants of this region. Our partnerships range from buying lumber to managing forests to outreach programs for First Nations people.

I myself am K’ómoks First Nation. I am thankful that my work allows me to combine my heritage with my experience in forestry. We are managing our forests as well as life in the local communities.

Coeli Hoover

Carbon Modeler

Durham, New Hampshire

I work with forest owners
to measure the carbon being
stored in a forest.

Forests play a huge role in the global carbon cycle. Trees and plants absorb, or take in, the gas carbon dioxide. They release oxygen and store carbon. The carbon becomes part of the trees and is stored in wood. Helping people understand how to help their forests maintain or increase carbon storage can make a difference in the world.

In my job, I measure trees. I can use tree measurements to estimate how much carbon is stored in a forest.

Right now, I’m developing some tools to help forest owners estimate how much carbon is in their forests. It’s a great feeling to hear a landowner say, “Oh, I can do that!”

Magen Dufurrena rappels
out of a helicopter to fight a fire.

Magen Dufurrena

Wildland Firefighter

La Grande, Oregon

My job is to help protect and maintain the health of the forest by preventing, controlling, and putting out wildfires.

I rappel out of helicopters to fight forest fires. My job is unpredictable. I need to be ready at a moment’s notice. When smoke is reported, my team is told about the fire activity, location, and weather.

This information affects how we fight the fire. We make our plans to put out
the fire while making sure we are safe. Rappelling from a helicopter allows us to get to a fire quickly. Once on the ground, working as a team is essential. It’s our job to help look after these beautiful places and keep people safe.

Our Changing Planet

Life Science

Ken Price

Coeli Hoover

Magen Dufurrena