Our Mission
Our Mission
Perhaps there is not in the United States a more unique and characteristic piece of Forestry work being carried on. The adaption of this work to the general needs of the Appalachian region as an object lesson and basis for instruction has been commended to some of the best students and experts in Forestry matters in the United States.
The purpose of the Forestry Department is to serve Berea College, in support of the Great Commitments that define the College's larger mission, as follows:
- To manage the Berea College Forest based on up to date forest science, maintaining and improving physical facilities and records while enhancing, studying and utilizing varied resources: wood products, water, recreation and wildlife. This is to be accomplished with concern for the educational value and ecological health of the Forest as well as the financial well-being of the College.
- To provide education and service to the Berea College community in forestry, natural resource and land management related matters.
Both purposes are stated given the significance that forestland management has to the southern Appalachian region and Berea College's commitment to that region. Both are to serve the purpose of the original endowment for forestland, management, and education made to Berea College beginning in 1897.