Honouring a Legacy: Lakehead University Celebrates 60 Years of Forestry Excellence
Thunder Bay was buzzing with excitement this weekend as Lakehead University celebrated a milestone in its long and proud history of forestry education. As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the university hosted a special tree planting ceremony that brought together federal and provincial ministers, representatives from Lakehead University and the Canadian Institute of Forestry, and Elder Sheila De Corte.
The event marked both Lakehead’s six decades of academic excellence and the kickoff of the Canadian Institute of Forestry’s annual national conference, taking place in Thunder Bay this week. A newly planted red pine now stands proudly in the university’s Agora Circle—a living tribute to the region’s deep connection to the forestry sector and its vital role in shaping Northwestern Ontario’s economy and environment.
Lakehead’s forestry roots run even deeper than the university itself. The first forestry and mining programs began in 1948, well before Lakehead University was officially established, and have grown over the decades into a world-class Faculty of Natural Resources Management. Today, students can earn degrees all the way up to the doctoral level, carrying forward a tradition of innovation, sustainability, and respect for the natural world.
The ceremony also recognized several outstanding individuals for their contributions to the field of forestry and natural resources, underscoring the strong sense of community and leadership that continues to define the faculty.
This year’s Canadian Institute of Forestry conference adds even more excitement to the occasion, bringing together experts, researchers, and industry professionals from across Canada and beyond. Over five days, attendees will share knowledge on forest management, wildfire prevention, sustainable technologies, and the evolving challenges of protecting Canada’s forests.
The commemorative tree stands as a symbol of Lakehead University’s enduring commitment to stewardship, education, and the health of our planet—a fitting celebration of 60 years dedicated to growing both knowledge and trees.
