Forest resources deals with the production and management of forest for the benefit of
mankind. Forests, of course, are made up of many varieties and kinds of trees, each
important to the total forest environment. A good knowledge of these individual
trees is necessary for any forestry worker. To get started on this knowledge you will
observe and become well acquainted with one tree of your choosing this trimester.
The following paragraphs outline the procedure you should follow in "adopting"
and reporting on your tree.
Choosing Your Tree
Choose a tree that interests you, preferably one that you want to learn more about.
Do not select a tree that you know another student has chosen.
Select a tree that is convenient for you to make weekly observations during fall term.
The tree chosen may be of any size or at any location.
Reporting on Your Adopted Tree
Limit this report to three double-spaced typewritten or neatly handwritten pages.
Naming your tree has already been done for you by botanists. Report the common
name or names and the scientific latin name (i.e. genus and species).
You many have
to go the the media center and find the name of your tree in a reference book on reserve.
Ask behind the main desk for a tree identification book for Science 7th Grade.
If you should have any difficulty naming your tree please see me.
Describe the location and environment in which your tree is found.
Record any changes (leaf color, insect, disease, fire damage, sap, animal damage, and
fallen branches or leaves, etc.) you observe over this three weeks of observation, or that
might have occurred in the past.
Report the effects this tree has upon its surroundings and the effects of nearby trees,
if any, or man on this tree.
Estimate wood volume (in cubic or board feet), height, and diameter at breast height of
your tree. You may do this using visual estimation or any other method you decide upon
after learning of forest measurements in class.
Use at least three references (books or magazines or journals on file) and list
at end of your report by (1) author's last name and first, (2) title, (3) date, and (4)
publisher.
Report Evaluation
Your report will be graded on accuracy, spelling, English usage, neatness,
observations, use of references, originality, being in on time (20 per cent deduction for
late reports), and anything special like a map, drawing, picture, unusual happening or
observation of what this tree really does in its environment.