🌲 These students are learning how healthy forests reduce wildfire risk. Funded for years through CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants, the Forestry Challenge is a statewide program that immerses high school students in forestry, forest health, and wildfire science. Based in El Dorado County, the program brings students into the field to work alongside foresters and other natural resource professionals as they learn how California’s forests are managed and how wildfire risk is reduced. This year, we were honored to receive letters from participating students thanking CAL FIRE for supporting this program—words that reflect the impact this hands-on experience has on their education and future goals. Programs like these help develop the next generation of forestry and fire professionals while strengthening wildfire resilience statewide. #CALFIRE #WildfirePrevention #ForestHealth #STEM #FireSafe