By Aiden Cote

December 19, 2025

SANFORD, Maine—Sanford High School offers a diverse range of elective classes this year, each with unique traits and curricula. One of these classes is Forestry, a CCP-level science elective offered to juniors and seniors. 

Forestry is taught each year by a biology teacher and provides students with the opportunity to learn about forests through hands-on activity and interactive research. Its curriculum covers numerous aspects of Maine’s forests, including tree identification, forest health examination, waterways and more. 

When asked why CCP forestry was a valuable experience for students, forestry and biology teacher Mrs. Bushnell said, “Most kids spend very little time outdoors. It’s important for kids to connect with nature and get outside…Even if it’s just lifting a branch and looking underneath it, it’s important to be comfortable standing in the forest.”

Forestry isn’t just another science class. Forestry teachers have control over the pacing of their class, allowing them to cater to the needs of all forestry students. Bushnell said, “It’s not like biology, where I have to push people through it quickly. I can watch people make mistakes, hold them accountable for those mistakes, and help them mend those mistakes myself.”

Current sophomores/juniors interested in taking CCP Forestry can sign up for the class during next year’s class scheduling.