The Urban Forestry option within the Forestry major at Virginia Tech has reached a new high enrollment!  Currently, eight students (1 senior, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores, and 1 freshman) are fulfilling requirements for the Urban Forestry option.  "Considering the option has only been available for 2 years, I'm very happy with the increase in students." said Brian Kane, Assistant Professor in the Forestry Department and fearless leader of the Urban Forestry program.  "Slowly but surely, students are coming to realize the world of opportunities in Urban Forestry, and we've had 4 students transfer into the option during this academic year." Kane said.

Recruitment is a key to developing the Urban Forestry option at Virginia Tech, not only within the University, but also, recruiting high school students to recognize the Urban Forestry program at Tech.  To this end, Dr. Kane has recently participated in the state Environthon program at the Blue Ridge Conference Center in Montebello, VA.  About 50 high school honor students participated as well, and Kane reported handing out at least a dozen recruiting brochures.

In other Virginia Tech Urban Forestry news, Dr. Kane wanted to invite prospective employers to contact him regarding summer jobs or career opportunities for students.  "Students are looking for summer jobs right now" he said, "and  all of my students are hard-working and smart!"  Send employment opportunities to Brian Kane, bckane@vt.edu  or 540.231.3330 (fax).  Dr. Kane will forward all opportunities to Urban Forestry students (and other natural resources students if desired).

Lastly, in his Urban Forest Management and Policy course, Dr. Kane is again asking students to complete a term project that entails a partial street tree inventory for local communities.  Students generally choose to use their hometowns, but in some cases, travel prevents this.  If you're interested in making your community available for partial inventory, please contact Brian Kane at bckane@vt.edu  or (540) 231-7267. a