Canadian National Forest Week spotlight: Charlotte Campbell is growing her future.

As we celebrate National Forest Week in Canada and the important role forests play in our communities, it's also an opportunity to recognize the people helping shape the future of the industry. Across our operations, university students are gaining hands-on experience and discovering what a career in forestry could look like. One of those students is Charlotte Campbell, a Silviculture Field Assistant in Prince George, British Columbia.

Charlotte recently completed her fourth summer with Canfor and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources with a major in Forest Management at the University of British Columbia. This year, Charlotte was also selected as one of the Forest Products Association of Canada's (FPAC) Green Dream Interns, a program that gives students a platform to share their experiences and insights throughout their internship placements.

A passion for forestry.

Growing up in Prince George, where forestry is deeply rooted in the community, Charlotte developed an appreciation for the industry at an early age through her family connections and time spent outdoors. Whether she was camping, hiking, hunting, or fishing, Charlotte had an up-close look at the forestry operations that occur right in her backyard.

That early exposure sparked a passion that ultimately led her to pursue her studies in natural resources and forest management. What draws Charlotte to forestry is the diversity of the field and the opportunity to combine many of her interests, from biology and ecology to business, economics, and policy.
"Forestry is such a complex and multi-layered industry," said Charlotte. "I love how there are always new things to learn and new perspectives to consider."

Over the past four summers with Canfor, a tenure that started when she was in high school, Charlotte has continued to expand her knowledge while gaining hands-on experience in the field. Along the way, she has taken on new challenges, built confidence in her abilities, and formed meaningful relationships with colleagues who have become friends and mentors.

"My favourite part about working at Canfor has been the people I have gotten to know over the years and the connections I have made. They have become some of my greatest friends, mentors, and colleagues, and have shown me both the importance and the power of community in BC's forest industry," said Charlotte.

Through the content she created as an FPAC Green Dream Intern, as well as her experience with Canfor, Charlotte hopes she can encourage other students to pursue a career in forestry. She hopes to highlight the fun parts of her job and showcase what foresters do on a day-to-day basis.

As she looks ahead to graduation and a future in the industry, she's excited to continue learning, growing, and making a positive impact in the forests and communities she calls home.