College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science

Category: Seminars and Events

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Preservation of Historic Ford Alberta Sawmill

Published
By
An aerial view of the Ford Center and surrounding forest.
The Alberta pump house will soon open to the public as the Historic Ford Welcome Center, part of ongoing preservation efforts that include the historic Ford Alberta sawmill.

Michigan Tech’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is delighted to partner with the Baraga County Historical Society (BCHS) to open the Alberta pump house to the public as the Historic Ford Welcome Center and celebrate the preservation of the historic Ford Alberta sawmill. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the pump house at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 12, marking a significant achievement in preserving and honoring the location’s rich history.

“It’s really important that the Baraga County Historical Society has a physical presence on the Alberta campus,” said Mark Rudnicki, Ford Center and Forest director and a professor of practice in forest biomaterials. “They’ve played a leading role in fundraising for the sawmill restoration to date and I very much look forward to seeing their continued success.”

The Ford sawmill and pump house, located 10 miles south of L’Anse, Michigan on US Highway 41, has been an icon of Upper Peninsula Ford history since its establishment 90 years ago. BCHS said the opening of the pump house as the Historic Ford Welcome Center and the preservation project of the sawmill is pivotal to the legacy of Henry Ford in Baraga County and ensures that future generations can appreciate and learn from these important pieces of our history.

“We are proud to celebrate the preservation of the Ford Alberta sawmill and the opening of the Ford Welcome Center,” said Paula McElroy, president of BCHS. “This project, spearheaded by chairperson Mike DesRochers and his Historical Society committee, reflects our commitment to preserving our local history for present and future generations and contributing to the cultural enrichment of our community.”

The ceremony will feature remarks from Michigan Tech and BCHS leaders and special guest Todd Bryan, president of the Henry Ford Heritage Association. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the former pump house as the new Historic Ford Welcome Center, now a satellite of the Baraga County Historical Museum, meet with preservation committee members to learn more about the history and significance of the site, and enjoy light refreshments.

Continue Reading →

Michigan Tech Hosts Four Days of SEED Programming in Detroit, Empowering Local Youth Through Environmental Education

Published
By
More than 50 students and instructors who participated in the SEED program pose together for a photo at a park in Detroit on a bright, sunny day.
SEED, an immersive, place-based STEM summer learning experience led by Michigan Tech, involved more than 100 students in hands-on experience with environmental science and its real-world applications. (Photos courtesy of SEED)

In this guest blog by College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Dean David Flaspohler and Michigan Technological University Vice President for Community Engagement Wayne Gersie, learn more about a program designed to bring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education to students in an environmental framework that they might not otherwise experience.

Michigan Technological University recently wrapped up an immersive summer learning experience that began with a gathering in the Upper Peninsula and extended to outreach in Detroit.

Continue Reading →

Michigan Tech Faculty Build Connections with the Next Generation of Researchers in Suriname

Published
By
A close-up shot framing a person’s hands holding up two soil samples for comparison during a field excursion workshop in Suriname.
Michigan Tech faculty presented workshops on tropical forest management, conservation practices, and ethical research practices to students in Suriname this February—the second phase of a U.S. Embassy-funded grant project in the region. (All photos courtesy of the “Enhancing Academic Linkages and Research Capacity in Suriname” project)

This February, Michigan Tech faculty traveled to Suriname to build connections and help train the next generation of scientists and researchers. Their trip was phase two of the U.S. Embassy-funded grant project focused on fostering sustainable development and promoting ethical research practices in the country. Suriname is also the home country for Wayne Gersie, Michigan Tech’s vice president for community engagement and professor of practice in the Department of Psychology and Human Factors in the College of Sciences and Arts. 

Continue Reading →

Natural Resource Career Fair Helps Students Find their Path

Published
By
Hands holding a rectangular compass.
RJ Laverne, forestry ’80, displays one of his prized possessions: a compass he purchased in 1979 when he was a student at Michigan Tech.

The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science’s Natural Resource Career Fair continues a legacy of genuine investment in student success passed down from CFRES faculty and alumni to the next generation of professionals. R.J. Laverne, a Davey Tree company representative, Tech alum, and adjunct professor opened Career Fair by likening the event to one of his prized possessions: a compass he bought in 1979, not long after he became a Husky.

“I think that for the students who will participate today, you may just find the right person at one of these tables to point you in the right direction. This could be the career compass that puts you on the first step toward a successful career,” said Laverne, who earned his forestry degree in 1980.

He emphasized the impact Michigan Tech’s faculty had on his career, particularly former forestry head Gene Hesterberg. “I was, on a good day, a mediocre student. Despite my poor academic performance at other institutions, Dr. Hesterberg took a chance on me,” said Laverne.

Continue Reading →