The University of West Alabama is launching a new associate degree in forestry technology to meet the growing needs of Alabaman’s timber-rich Black Belt region. This program aims to equip students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience necessary for success in the forestry industry. Sidney Freeman, UWA’s forestry instructor who developed the curriculum, explains that the program blends classroom instruction, fieldwork and cutting-edge technological training. Additionally, the program emphasizes licensure and certification opportunities, offering not only a competitive edge but a comprehensive approach to forestry education. The two-year program will be available for the first time in fall 2025. “Forestry is a field that requires hands-on skills, and our students will spend as much time in the field as possible,” Freeman said. “That’s my top priority.”