Topic Essays
From the week ending December 12, 1997

Careers Related to the Rainforest
Brian Goldberg

There are hundreds of professions related to the rainforest that scientists can choose from. Jobs like an ornithologist, a person who studies birds, to a rainforest economist, a person who tries to value rainforest functions such as oxygen production and global climate control.

One of my favorite rainforest scientists is Mark, a forester who works for a tree planting group that designs and conducts plantings along treeless river banks. First, he has to contact the landowners along the targeted creek and convince them to agree to a tree planting on their property. Then he must analyze the land and decide which tree species to plant close to the river and higher up on the bank. Finally, Mark has to collect tree seedlings, shovels and School for Field Studies volunteers to help him plant. In the words of Mark, "Awwwh mate, it's the best feeling in the world to stroll through a forest, where seven years earlier it was a dry, treeless hillside."

My second favorite rainforest scientist is Nigel, who works at the nearby Lake Eacham nursery. Nigel is the nursery manager in charge of producing the tiny tree seedlings used in Mark's tree planting projects. Before he can grow any trees he must collect the seeds from the forest. Last week, we helped break open the seed pods and separate the seeds to be planted and germinated in the greenhouse. After a few weeks of high humidity and water in the greenhouse, Nigel must ensure they are re-potted and set outside to grow. Finally, when the trees are one to two feet tall they are ready for Mark to plant along river banks.

My third favorite rainforest scientist is Tony, a tropical botanist. Tony spends his time identifying the hundreds of trees in the rainforest. He has taught us how to identify the trees by examining the color, texture, and shape of its leaves. His job is extremely important to us because Tony's identification tips have enabled us to compile a list of trees that grow well along creek edges, and trees that grow well in drier areas. This key information can be used by Mark and Nigel to increase the success of reforestation projects.

So, these are only a few of the many professions related to the rainforest. With so many animals, plants and functions of the rainforest, the number of different scientists it can support is practically unlimited. The rainforest might not survive if it wasn't for the work of scientists trying to understand and demonstrate it's value. It is up to each and everyone of you who have learned about rainforests to teach someone else why it is important so that no more rainforests are destroyed. If all the rainforests disappear then Mark, Nigel, Tony and any one of you who dreams of working with the rainforest will be out of a job.