Hello to all the members of the Work Wild community, my name is Emma Kniel and I am excited to say I am the newest member of the Work Wild team. As I hope to meet many of you out and around our beautiful province I thought it appropriate to introduce myself.
Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta I was never fully sure what I wanted to do as a career. I was passionate about both the arts and the environment but was never sure what my path would be.
While attending a science conference in high school I spoke with a representative from Work Wild and discovered forestry and I have never looked back! I love being outside, being with my dogs and having a positive impact on the environment; forestry was a career which would allow me to do all those things, while at work!
I recently completed the University of Alberta’s forestry program and was able to work within the sector all through my schooling. I had the opportunity to work within the Alberta Tree Improvement program through Weyerhaeuser as a worker with the Huallen Seed Orchard just outside of Grande Prairie. In this position I was able to see first hand the science and technology being used to help improve Alberta’s forests and regenerate trees that are healthy and resilient.
I also spent two summers working with West Fraser as a silviculture summer student in Sundre. Here I was able to see forest regeneration from all angles. I completed regeneration surveys, monitored tree planting, and was able to see how silviculture foresters make site prescriptions and the processes put in place to ensure the forests are successful.
I have loved being in the forest management field so much and I am excited to share my story with you and help you find your own path into the forest sector as well!