Photo of spring field semester students 2019.

The Spring Field Semester is a semester-long immersion into the practice and application of forestry.

Spring Field Semester

Spring Field Semester

The Spring Field Semester is for all students in the junior year of the Forestry program. The Spring Field Semester is a semester-long immersion into the practice and application of forestry.

First Half of the Spring Field Semester

The first half of the Spring Field Semester is spent traveling throughout Kentucky to learn about different ecosystems, land uses, landownership types, and wood industry facilities. While you are based in Lexington, classes are held from 8 am until 5 pm Monday through Thursday. Most days you will travel to local forested areas such as Raven Run, Berea Forest, or the Daniel Boone National Forest. Fridays are reserved for finishing the week’s assignments and report writing.

Second Half of the Spring Field Semester

During the second half of the Spring Field Semester, you will be at UK’s Robinson Forest with a 14,800 acre classroom at your cabin doorstep. UK’s Robinson Forest is one of the largest research and educational forests in the eastern United States. Robinson Forest is located in southeastern Kentucky and has 14,800 acres of forests, cabins, classroom, computer lab, and dining hall. In addition to the hands-on learning in the forest, students enjoy Ms. Neva’s wonderful cooking and evenings by the campfire.

Spring Field Semester Fees

The additional fees for the spring field semester total approximately $2,918 (as of 2020-2021). This fee covers transportation to field sites while you are based in Lexington, room and board for the weeks you are at Robinson Forest, transportation and lodging for multiple extended field trips throughout the state and region, and some field equipment that will be yours to keep.

View field semester week-by-week summaries from the students.

Field Semester Preview
Forestry students at Asbury University’s Challenge Course

At the beginning of the Spring Field Semester, forestry students spend the day at Asbury University’s Challenge Course doing team building exercises on the high and low ropes course. 

Cabins at Robinson Forest in Clayhole, KY. Forestry students spend the last half of the junior year Spring Field Semester here at Robinson Forest.

Spring field semester students learn about forest hydrology and watershed management.

Spring field semester students learn about forest hydrology and watershed management.

Spring field semester students learn about wildlife and their habitat. Photo of a Spring Field Semester student with an Eastern hognose snake.

Spring field semester students learn about wildlife and their habitat. Photo of a Spring Field Semester student with an Eastern hognose snake.

Spring field semester students learn about forestry operations.

Spring field semester students learn about forestry operations.

Spring field semester students travel to North Georgia for one of their weeks learning about silvicultural practices.

Spring field semester students travel to North Georgia for one of their weeks learning about silvicultural practices.