Introducing Youth to Natural Resource Careers

Published April 1, 2025

Lomakatsi recently led an introduction to restoration forestry workshop for local 16- to 18-year-olds as part of the 5th annual On-Ramp Natural Resources Career Camp. Over the week-long camp, the youth explored different topics led by Lomakatsi staff and partners as they took part in hands-on forest and watershed restoration while learning about careers in natural resources.

Participants learned how to use basic forestry tools including clinometers, relascopes, and marking tape in a Tech Day training led by Restoration Forester Megan Abeyta and took part in a controlled pile burn alongside our restoration workforce that has been busy taking advantage of burning opportunities this spring. The youth also learned about wildland fire response, explored native plants through a scavenger hunt, and were introduced to Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge through pine needle basket weaving.

A big thank you to First Response: First Aid + CPR Training, LLC, for enhancing to this year’s camp experience with certificated First Aid and CPR training, and Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative education staff for including the live fire lab and fire science instruction in this memorable week. Shout out to Youth Crew Leader Rhiannon Ahimsa and Restoration Operations Supervisor John Cymore for leading the crew!