Hello Students! Here are a few notes about technology for the 2025 Santa Cruz Forestry Challenge.

Each team should bring one laptop to use for presentation prep. Windows PCs are preferred. More than one laptop per team is allowed, but not necessary.
Your laptop must have:
- At least 1 USB-A port
- 1 HDMI port
- Powerpoint software – No Internet-dependent programs (Prezi, Google Slides, etc.)
IF YOU BRING A MAC, you must be able to convert files so they are .PPTX OR have an HDMI adapter to connect to a projector.
If you need a laptop, there are a few available for loan, but please let us know in advance if you want to check one out. (Please do not rely on our laptops, they are passible, but your own will be better)
You will receive a flash drive with focus topic related materials to use in your presentation. You can also bring any background information about the focus topic that you think will help you in your presentation.
Redwood Glen has moderate Wi-Fi, so you should be able to do some internet research as you develop your presentation. However, there is little to no cell service available.
A camera that can hard-wire transfer photos to your laptop is highly recommended.

If you have any questions about technology at the Santa Cruz Forestry Challenge, please email Diane. Thanks!

Sample Schedule	Forestry Challenge Rules	What to Bring
What Happens at Forestry Challenge	Adult Release Form	Minor Release Form

Download or print the Forestry Challenge Instruction Manual & Study Guide to use in conjunction with the following learning objectives

Santa Cruz Forestry Challenge Learning Objectives

Understand the fundamental life processes of plants including photosynthesis and transpiration.
Know the basic parts of a tree and their functions.
Understand basic ecological concepts including food webs, succession, competition, adaptation, and symbiosis.
Understand concepts associated with forests, including stand composition, stand density, and crown classification.
Be familiar with the four most common forest plant communities in California, and know their approximate ranges.
Identify with common names the following tree species without a key, and know their approximate ranges in California:
Identify specific species of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants through the use of a dichotomous identification key. Be familiar with basic terminology related to leaf morphology.

Know how to prepare for conducting forestry fieldwork, including clothing, safety gear, and environmental hazards.
Be familiar with the process of Data Collection.
Know how to pace a chain.
Know how to use the following forestry tools: Biltmore Stick (diameter and height), clinometer, diameter tape, angle gauge [angle gauge 2], and increment borer. For information on purchasing your own set of tools, see our recommended tools list. All of these tools can be purchased from Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
Interpret volume tables and site class tables using raw data.
Interpret maps, including but not limited to township/range/section, ownership, distances/scale, directional headings, and topography.
Understand why and how forests are managed to produce timber, and what products are derived from timber.

The historical range of both species
The listing of the spotted owl in the early 1990s
The relative size and behavioral differences of the two species, including food sources
Details of the proposal to reduce the barred owl population and reasons some oppose the plan

Understand some basic information about Butano State Park
Be familiar with the CZU Lightning Complex Fire of 2020 and where it burned
Know about the Butano State Park Forest Health Project, undertaken to help forests at Butano State Park recover from wildfire
Be familiar with some actions taken to recover from wildfire, with focus on assessing tree damage (pages 5 and 6)
Be familiar with mastication and prescribed fire (pamphlet and video) as methods to reduce fuel both before and after a wildfire