Understanding How Site Factors Shape Forests – Online – April 21st & 23rd, 2026

Location: Fully online

Note: This event is split into two sessions over two days; April 21st & April 23rd, 2026.

Forest vegetation is not random. This foundational concept is key to understanding why different forests occur across the landscape. From broad-scale influences like climate and forest region to local site conditions such as soils, geology, and topography, this course introduces the full range of biophysical factors that shape forest composition and structure.

Through practical examples, learners will explore how these site factors influence forest development over time, including the concept of climax forest communities (Potential Natural Vegetation). The course also introduces forest ecosites and classification methods used to link forest types to the conditions that support them.

This course provides a strong foundation for further study in forest health, site recognition, and disturbance ecology. It is ideal for technicians, biologists, land managers, woodlot owners, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to better understand the “why” behind forest patterns on the landscape.

Learners unfamiliar with forest tree species or structure are encouraged to complete the Applied Tree Identification and Introduction to Forest Composition and Structure MicroCourses prior to taking this module.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the concept of a forest ecosite
• Identify the biophysical factors that influence forest composition and growth
• Explore the concept of ecological amplitude—why tree species don’t grow just anywhere
• Learn what climax forests are and how site factors influence them
• Examine methods for classifying forests based on site conditions
• Build transferable skills to support further learning in forest health, site factors, and dynamics

Format: 2 x 2-hour sessions