Forestry Study Guide

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1. Identify common trees without a key and identify specific or unusual species of trees or shrubs with the following two identification keys:  "Trees of New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic States" and "Shrubs and Vines of New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantic States"
   
2. Understand forest ecology concepts and factors affecting them, including the relationship between soil and forest types, tree communities, regeneration, competition, and succession.
3. Understand the cause and effect relationship of factors affecting tree growth and forest development (climate, insects, microorganisms, wildlife, etc.).
   
4. Understand how wildlife habitat relates to forest communities, forest species, forest age and structure, snags and den trees, availability of food, and riparian zones.
5. Understand how the following issues are affected by forest health and management:  biological diversity, forest fragmentation, air quality, aesthetics, fire, global warming, and recreation.
6. Understand basic forest management concepts and tools such as how various silvicultural practices are utilized, the use of tree measuring devices, and the best use management practices.
7. Apply silvicultural concepts to develop management recommendations and goals for a particular situation.
8. Identify the complex factors that influence forest management decisions (e.g. economic, social, and ecological).
9. Understand the value of trees in urban/suburban settings and the factors affecting their health and survival
10. Review concepts in "The Woodland Steward" by Dr. James R. Fazio
11. Understand the causes and effects of forest fire and the species which are adapted to such events.
12. Review the current programs through US Forest Service and State agencies to address Forest Health issues in New Jersey.

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Please review the links included on this page. You may also review the Forestry Study Guide for more information:
Forestry Study Guide: National Envirothon Objectives

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Tree Identification

• Arboretum: Fir, Spruce, and Pine Trees
• Tree Identification Guide
• Anatomy of a Tree
• Tree ID Key
• Tree ID Terms
• Leaf Margins
• Leaf Types

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Silviculture / Forest Management

• USDA Riparian Forest Buffers
• ​Training PP from the perspective of a Forester
• Forestry Training PowerPoint

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Forest Health

• Spotted Lanternfly
• Invasive plant species in NJ
• Forest Threats - Invasive Trees and Shrubs
• Forest Pest

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Community Forestry

• Interpret i-Tree Design Report
• NJDEP The Clean Water Book: Choices for watershed protection (Chapter 4: Protecting Shorelines)
• Stormwater Trees (US EPA)
• Urban & Community Forestry in NJ (NJDEP)
• Green Infrastructure in New Jersey & Green Stormwater Practices (NJDEP)
• Urban Forest Systems and Green Stormwater Infrastructure (USDA Forest Service)

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Planting & Care

• How to Prune Trees (USDA Forest Service)
• Waterscaping: Native Plants for Wet Places
• ​Why Topping Hurts Trees

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Forest Measurements

• Learn About Forestry Tools
• ​Forestry 101 Measuring Tree Diameter
• DBH, Height, Volume