BOOTS ON THE GROUND

Boots on the Ground is a hands-on, one-day immersive experience designed to introduce high school seniors to real-world careers in the timber industry. This program is intentionally built for students who plan to enter the workforce after graduation, offering them a firsthand look at the wide range of opportunities available in forestry and logging. Participants spend the day in the woods visiting active logging operations, where they engage directly with equipment operators, truck drivers, tree fallers, foresters, and industry leaders. These candid, one-on-one conversations allow students to ask meaningful questions about career pathways, wages, advancement opportunities, and what it truly takes to succeed in the field.

To ensure a high-quality experience, participation is limited to a small group of students, creating an environment where genuine connections can be made. When hosted in Humboldt County, the day often concludes with a tour of the North Fork Lumber Co. mill in Korbel, giving students a full-circle view of the timber process—from stump to finished product. Each participant also receives a $500 work-boot voucher, redeemable upon securing full-time employment in the Redwood Region timber industry. Boots on the Ground is more than a field trip—it’s a launch point that connects motivated young people with meaningful careers and strengthens the future of our workforce.

.

​

2026 Dates: Mendocino County - Fall 2026

Humboldt County - May 7th

SPACE IS LIMITED - Humboldt Reg Forms Due April 30th