Berea College Forestry

04/28/2026

On Saturday, April 11th, students visited the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill to participate in a draft animal event. The Draft Animal Power Network (DAP-Net) is doing amazing things, showcasing skills and offering workshops to those who work with draft horses or want to. Our crew took Holly to demonstrate logging and the big mares, Willow and Hallie, to demonstrate plowing.
These events are so vital to the draft horse community, and seeing such a fantastic community presence was beautiful. To say that we were proud to participate in this event is an understatement. Thank you to everyone at Shaker Village and DAP-Net for having us. Thanks to Jonathan and Zen for doing an excellent job representing our program.
-student, Vanessa Lay

04/23/2026

Happening today, 4/23.
The West Barton/West Pinnacle trails are closed.

On Thursday, April 23rd, Berea College Forestry will be doing a prescribed burn near the area of the pinnacles. Smoke may be seen in the area from the intersection of Highway 21/Berea Bypass and Indian Fort Theatre. Do not be alarmed as this is a controlled burn.

04/09/2026

04/02/2026

A judge today ruled in favor of Berea College, striking down an eminent domain lawsuit brought by East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) that would have allowed the company to seize a portion of the Berea College Forest to construct a high-voltage electric transmission line.

“We’re grateful for the court’s thoughtful review and care taken in considering the unique character of the Berea College Forest. As we look ahead, we remain committed to stewarding this unique, irreplaceable place of environmental learning, historical significance, regional tourism and community use with the same care and purpose that has guided us for generations.” - Berea College President Dr. Cheryl L. Nixon

More information: https://www.berea.edu/news/judge-rules-in-favor-of-berea-college-strikes-down-eminent-domain-lawsuit

02/26/2026

Team 2 from Berea College Forestry! Cheers to these fine folks, two educators and four students. And cheers to two days of kind weather, hard work, and some fun along the way.

02/23/2026

02/22/2026

We were pleased to host a team from Berea College’s Department of Forestry the last couple of days for a Chainsaw Skills Training workshop. They let us know that the whole crew was “grateful for the wonderful experience and the privilege of all the insightful experiences.” And Zen said he learned a plethora of things. For our part, it’s gratitude all around for blue skies, dry ground, good team work, and new friends and colleagues from up around Berea way.

01/29/2026

01/29/2026

The horses were happy to stretch their legs after their stay in the barn through the storm. Holly here looks gorgeous in the winter sun. ☀️
📸: Student Vanessa Lay

12/13/2025

Congratulations to Forestry/Horse Program labor student, Connor Harris, for graduating this week! Connor has been a great addition to the crew and we know he will do great things!
This photo is from the US Draft Horse and Mule Plowing Contest earlier this semester where Connor and the horses won some ribbons.