Southern Illinois University Forestry Field Days

SIU Forestry Field Day

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) Forestry Field Day is more than just an event—it’s a hands-on learning experience designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world arboriculture. This two-day immersive program provides forestry students with practical training in core industry skills, including chainsaw operation and maintenance, tree felling, plant health care, and tree climbing.

Held at the Touch of Nature Environmental Center, the Forestry Field Day brings together students, faculty, industry professionals, and volunteers in a collaborative environment centered on safety, skill development, and professional mentorship. Throughout the event, experienced arborists emphasize proper work practices and real-world decision-making, helping students build confidence and competence in the field.

A key component of the event is the roundtable-style career fair, which offers students a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals in a relaxed, conversational setting. This format allows students to explore a wide range of career paths across commercial, municipal, nonprofit, and consulting sectors while gaining insight into day-to-day work, career progression, and industry expectations.

Why Get Involved

Companies that participate play a direct role in shaping the future of the arboriculture workforce. Skyline Tree Service and other long-standing supporters have seen firsthand how meaningful these interactions are for students as they begin identifying career paths and professional goals. The roundtable career fair has quickly become a cornerstone of the event, strengthening connections between employers and the next generation of arborists.

With more than 50 students and 21 professional volunteers participating last year, the SIU Forestry Field Day continues to grow in both scope and impact. Ongoing support from organizations such as Davey Tree, Kramer Tree Specialists, Noble Oak Safety & Training, SavATree, Vermeer Midwest, Cantigny Park, Great Lakes Urban Forestry Consultants, Arbsession, Stephanie Adams, Skyline Tree Service, and Bartlett Tree Experts has been instrumental in the event’s continued success.

Call for Sponsors and Volunteers

Opportunities to sponsor, volunteer, or host a booth at the roundtable career fair are limited and fill quickly. This is a unique chance to connect with motivated students, support hands-on forestry education, and invest in the future of the arboriculture industry.

Your involvement makes a lasting impact—not only on participating students, but on the strength and sustainability of our profession as a whole.”