Session Locations
Each FIT session is hosted at a unique forest setting for hands on study of forest ecology and natural resources. Presenters and staff include science and environmental education curriculum specialists, public and private forest resource specialists, and forest activists.
Education curriculum is aligned across all four sessions with natural resource curriculum locally adapted to match each region's ecology.
Education curriculum is aligned across all four sessions with natural resource curriculum locally adapted to match each region's ecology.
Plumas
The Plumas County FIT session is hosted at the UC Forestry Camp in Meadow Valley, CA.
Surrounded by the Plumas National Forest, this session provides based in the iconic Feather River watershed. The camp is set in an ancient forest of towering ponderosa and sugar pines intermixed with a white fir, Douglas-fir, incense-cedar, and black oak understory. Summer temperatures can often reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Rainfall averages 41 inches (1,041 mm) per year in Quincy and a high of 78 inches (1,981 mm) per year. Approximately 75 inches (1,900 mm) of precipitation falls as snow each year. On-site lodging is provided in rustic bunkhouses with 2 people per room. |
Shasta
The Shasta County FIT session is hosted at Camp McCumber in Shingletown, CA.
The camp is located just minutes away from Lassen Volcanic National Park in the iconic Lassen Range. The camp is nestled among large Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-fir trees along the banks of Lake McCumber. Located along Battle Creek, waterfowl and raptors including Bald Eagles and Osprey are common visitors. Summer temperatures can be hot during the day 100 deg F (38 deg C) but cool at night 55 deg F (12 deg C). The annual precipitation is about 40 inches, part of which falls as snow. Participants share 4 person cabins with fellow educators. The camp provides basketball, volleyball, and lake recreation access. |
Tuolumne
The Tuolumne County FIT session is hosted at the Sierra Outdoor School in Sonora, Ca.
The Sierra Outdoor School is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada within the Stanislaus National Forest. The camp is located at 4,100 feet within the Stanislaus National Forest in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The location is 30 minutes from the historic town of Sonora, and two hours from Yosemite National Park. The rustic ambiance and serene forest setting with abundant birds providing a cacophonous aural backdrop and squirrels busily searching for seed sustenance make a relaxing learning environment. Participants stay in large dormitories which can accommodate up to 20 people. |
Humboldt
The Humboldt County FIT session is hosted at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA.
Located on the HSU campus, the classroom is surrounded by Arcata's actively managed Community Forest. The community forest provides unique opportunities to learn about forest, endangered species and water quality issues specific to the redwood region. Teachers will have an opportunity to learn about old-growth redwoods, second growth redwood management, salmon restoration, spotted owls, and snorkel with salmon fry. Summer temperatures tend to be cool and but can change rapidly. Lodging is provided at the HSU dorms. |
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Program NR Director
Ryan Tompkins UC Cooperative Extension Forest Advisor Plumas, Sierra and Lassen Counties 208 Fairground Road, Quincy, CA, 95971 Telephone: 530.283.6125 E-mail: rptompkins@ucanr.edu |
Program NR Director
Ricky Satomi UC Cooperative Extension Forest Advisor Shasta, Trinity and Siskiyou Counties 1851 Hartnell Ave, Redding, CA, 96002 Telephone: 530.224.4900 E-mail: rpsatomi@ucanr.edu |
Program NR Director
Yana Valachovic UC Cooperative Extension Forest Advisor Humboldt and Del Norte Counties 5630 S. Broadway, Eureka, CA 95503 Telephone: 707-445-7351 E-mail: yvala@ucanr.edu |
FIT Graduate Feedback
I feel FIT is a wonderful program. I can tell that a lot of time, thought and consideration has gone into how the program is structured. My knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding our forests has increased dramatically. I appreciated hearing from people in the field (loggers, forest service, researchers, environmentalists, park service people, forester, industry people, etc.). I feel better prepared to share what I know and to bring forestry to my students.
First off, I heartily appreciate that FIT exists. The extensive background information presented, in addition to the teaching tools that were shared. made for a comprehensively visual experience. I am inspired by the staff, fellow participants, and the forest, to teach and continue learning about forestry.
Loved seeing “forestry in action” (thinning, sawmill, managed plots). Also really enjoyed the facilitator led activities from PLT and WILD. I will hopefully use a lot of those. Also liked the networking and location
I have never enjoyed a professional development like I did FIT. It was an amazing experience that nurtured me professionally and personally! Thank you!
Forest Institute for Teachers is an amazing week-long training that will send you home with a plethora of information (I presented the materials they provide at the workshop) and the confidence to teach in-depth forest and Wet Projects to your students. At first, I questioned my choice of signing up for this conference during my summer break and was so glad I followed through with the decision. I am willing to wager a dinner to anyone from the GRS Workshop who attends FIT and doesn't feel it was a great learning experience. The total cost was $25 and they fed us the most delicious food. I tell people who have been on cruise ships that this is like a cruise in the forest. I would suggest that you sign up with the Sonora site only as I have not visited the others. Five stars for the hospitality and knowledge of instructors.