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Prince George, B.C. – Forestry students at the University of the Northern British Columbia are about to get out of the classroom and into the outdoors – literally.

This as the Field Education Centre at UNBC’s Aleza Lake Research Forest officially opened its doors today with a tour and open house.

Located 60 km east of Prince George, the 1,200 square-foot log and timber structure will be operated by the Aleza Lake Research Forest Society.

“It’s amazing, it’s a dream to have a building like this out at the research forest,” says manager Mike Jull. “And a dream to have a field education centre where kids can come and learn about forestry and learn about the environment.”

UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks enjoys the view

He says it’s built to accommodate 40-50 students at a time and estimates it will be used for between 50 and 100 events a year.

“UNBC will have field tours, field classes and experiential learning – which means not just in the classroom but in the field.

“This facility will be run on a not-for-profit basis so it’s going to be available for other institutions like CNC, the school district, community groups as well.”

Fourth year student Saskia Hart expects it will greatly enhance her education.

“I think it’ll be great because you can actually come out to the forest and have a place to hang out and stay. And it’ll be more available for hands on learning.

From left, UNBC graduate Samantha Gonzalez and fourth year student Saskia Hart

Recent UNBC graduate Samantha Gonzalez agrees. “It gives you the opportunity to actually take what you learn in the classroom and apply it.”

Dr. Daniel Weeks was quick to credit those behind the scenes for making the field centre a reality.

“Thank you to our donors Dunkley Lumber, Moss Rock Foundation, and Integris Credit Union for making this possible.”