A certification program that meets the growing need for natural resources professionals on the Olympic Peninsula will soon be available for Peninsula College scholars.
In partnership with community funders, including $105,000 from locally based forest products company Merrill & Ring, Peninsula College has announced its first-ever Natural Resources Program scheduled to begin in the fall. The one-year program aims to answer the call from
regional employers eager to hire STEM-educated natural resource professionals for careers in forestry, conservation, fire science, and other related fields.
Merrill & Ring contributions come directly from its shareholder groups, which include RD Merrill Co, The Pillar Fund, and The Mather Fund. In a joint statement from the shareholder groups: “We are excited to partner with Peninsula College and help foster future generations of natural
resource experts. The Natural Resources Program allows Olympic Peninsula residents to learn about resource management and stewardship within their community, creating a home-grown skilled workforce that will benefit the economy, local resources, and the region.”
The one-year course includes forest ecology, water quality, fisheries, fire science, and wildlife habitat management classes. In addition, the program will consist of in-class learning, lab sciences, outdoor learning, and internship opportunities.
The program is in response to the increasing demand for natural resource management technicians. A labor report shared by Peninsula College reveals Clallam and Jefferson counties as “hot spots” for forestry and conservation careers.
“Peninsula College is committed to providing skilled trades and workforce programs that help create more equitable communities,” said Peninsula College president Suzy Ames. “Launch of the Natural Resources Program will help prepare students for jobs that support and sustain the natural environment while helping residents obtain living-wage jobs.”
The first Natural Resources Program classes will begin in Fall 2023 at the Forks campus. The program’s inaugural cohort will consist of 24 students. Enrollment for the program began May 30 for current students and June 2 for new or returning students. Classes can be stacked into
one or more natural resources certificates, with the ability to earn an Associate of Applied Science Transfer degree.
To learn more about the Natural Resource Program enrollment, visit: www.pencol.edu/admissions
About Merrill & Ring
Merrill & Ring is a family-owned forest products company that owns and manages working forests throughout Western Washington. For more than 135 years, Merrill & Ring families have been committed to the stewardship of working forests that enable clean air, produce essential
green building materials and paper products, provide healthy habitat for fish and wildlife, and support the state and local economies. Learn more at www.merrillring.com.
About Peninsula College
The Peninsula College mission is to educate diverse populations of learners through community engaged programs and services that advance student equity and success with campuses in Port Angeles, Forks and Port Townsend. Peninsula College is the only institute of higher learning on the North Olympic Peninsula, serving 102,000 residents and six sovereign tribal nations. Learn more at www.pencol.edu.