Long before COVID and the wildfires, we began working with Highlands University and their Forestry Department, using the Ranch as an outdoor laboratory for their graduate and undergraduate classes. This provided useful real-world experience for the students and it gave us a better understanding of how to better manage our land. Many of their recommendations have been implemented, specifically regarding the management of our forest, and that work was instrumental in minimizing the damage from the wildfire. We are beginning to look at similar partnerships with other area colleges and expand our higher education efforts.
