Kyle Meier - Forest and Channel Metrics: The Natural Resources program at Green River has given me the opportunity to learn about the environment and ecology in a way that balances man and nature. It has given me the full range of views on environmental policies, politics, practices, and diversity in a way that that has changed many of my former views on these subjects. The quantity and quality of the course materials are not overwhelming, they are however challenging and rewarding.”

“Instruction is given from experienced foresters who approach subjects with knowledge of past, present, and future issues effecting our forests and environment. The campus offers students a place to practice what we learn in the classroom out in the school forest. Transferring to a four-year university to continue studies with the field experience and knowledge learned at Green River sets us far ahead of other students. Finding current jobs and future careers is made easy with regular postings of available jobs.”

Sarah Heyne - Forest and Channel Metrics: “The Natural Resources Program is one of the most inspiring and challenging things I have ever been involved with. This program is great because it includes a perfect balance of technical activities outside and studies in the classroom. The Natural Resources Program has changed my outlook on life and my attitude toward my success. All of the students are very good friends. It is almost as if we are family. I have learned and excelled more in this program than I could have ever imagined.”

“Green River Community College is a wonderful place to attend school. The campus is placed in a beautiful forest setting. The school forest is very important to the Natural Resources Program, without it there would be less hands on experience. The faculty at GRCC is very helpful and friendly.”

Scott Chambers - Washington Department of Natural Resources: “The Natural Resources Program has exceeded my expectations. I have learned more than I ever thought I would. For example, I never knew that there were shade intolerant and tolerant plants, so clear cuts are actually beneficial to the growth of Douglas-fir trees. I have learned a great deal about navigating in the forest and the bureaucracy of the natural resources world. I really enjoy the camaraderie of the program. The classes are structured and well taught.”


Matt Llobet - Jackson and Prochnau, Inc. Consulting Forest Engineers and Foresters: “The Green River Natural Resources program is a very solid program if you would like a career working out doors. This program has a lot of hands on work-study; we spend much of our time working out in our own school forest doing in depth fieldwork. We also own some land close to Enumclaw, where we also do field work.”

“In this program I’m learning how to take down proper field notes, and how to pace accurately, which is calculating land by walking. I’m also learning how to use different types of compasses, and learning how to read all different types of maps. We learn how to plot sample and how to timber cruise, and we are learning how to use all different types of tools, such as: clinometers, relaskop, linear tapes, diameter tapes, and increment borers, those are just a few of the many. We are learning how to take surveys and Identifying PNW trees, and shrubs.”

“The Natural Resources program instructors have countless years of experience in many different fields involving Natural Resource work, Forestry work, and forest fire fighting work. Both are very hard working, and dedicated to the program.”

“Green River Community College is a very big and diverse college with a lot to offer. The kinds of job that I want to end up with after I’m done with this two year degree is working out doors for a respectable company, working with people who like what they're doing.”

Pam Phillips - College of Forest Resources, University of Washington (student): The Natural Resources program has so many good things going for it. First, we have skilled instructors who have actually lived the careers their students are working to attain. Secondly, the way the curriculum is structured we have many of the same people in the same classes so there is almost always a friend in there with you.”

“Everyone likes going out to work in the forest or on the many fieldtrips that support the classes and program. The classes are not easy, and the sun doesn't always shine when we are outdoors, but most students are motivated to make it to graduation day.”

“The program helps students develop confidence, and gives them the empirical skills to get a job in their chosen field. It also finds most of them employment. Many students come in rather quiet, but they soon find they are accepted no matter what their personality or level of education.”

“The campus is very appealing, it seems to offer just about everything a student could need or get involved in, there is a good ambiance between the students and the instructors, and it has a great forest for student and community use.”


Melissa Morrison - Washington Department of Natural Resources - “The Natural Resources Program is one of the most positive things that has happened to me. The college forest has been a valuable learning tool. I am getting the water quality degree along with the general natural resources degree. I plan on obtaining permanent employment after I graduate from Green River Community College.”



Tyler Olschewsky - West Fork Timber Company, LLC - “I chose Green River’s Natural Resources program because it sounded like fun and I wanted to work outdoors. There’s a wide range of degree options which helped me decide on my career goals. The instructors are great. Their real-world knowledge provides a great learning experience.”