Colorado State University seniors Taryn Dowden and Heaven Sanchez were named 2023 Society of American Foresters’ (SAF) Student Diversity Scholars at the 2023 SAF National Convention.

“We’re working hard to establish connections that foster respect and support. It’s important that everyone feels like other people care, and that they are qualified enough to be in the Alpha Student Chapter of the SAF,” Taryn said. 

The SAF Student Diversity Scholar program pairs students with mentors, awards full scholarships to attend the SAF National Convention, and provides engagement opportunities for the cohort of scholars.

“It’s easier to make a difference when everyone can work together,” Taryn said. “While attending the convention, I was able to interact with a wide group of people, build connections, and get feedback for ideas.”

Finding a passion for forestry

Raised in Black Forest, Colorado, Taryn lost their childhood home to the 2013 Black Forest Fire. 

“Growing up in a forest, surrounded by nature, inspired me to want to go into forestry. The Black Forest wildfire was a huge influence for me wanting to go in the direction I have,” Taryn said. 

Taryn came to CSU to study engineering, but found themselves actively engaging in an elective class on forest and rangeland ecology.

This spring, they will graduate with a major in Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, a concentration in Forestry, and a minor in Rangeland Ecology. After graduation, Taryn hopes to continue with their studies and research work in the forestry field. 

Taryn’s favorite courses included fieldwork at the mountain campus and a class focused on sustainable timber harvesting. 

“Logging that mimics natural disturbance cycles is an achievable way to gather resources and mitigate fire risk. It doesn’t have to be either no timber harvesting or 100% clear-cutting – we have more environmentally sustainable options.” 

Leading the SAF Alpha Student Chapter in Inclusivity

Taryn had initial concerns about joining the historically male-dominated forestry field. 

“Something that was scary for me at first was not knowing whether the field of forestry would be a hostile environment for someone like me,” Taryn said. 

Stepping into a SAF meeting, at the encouragement of friends, Taryn was pleasantly surprised to find a welcoming and encouraging community bonding over a shared passion for environmental stewardship. 

In January 2023, Taryn became the Diversity and Outreach Chair for the Alpha Student Chapter of the SAF. As the leader of a new diversity and outreach committee, Taryn continues to steer the chapter toward an inclusive future that values and celebrates diversity through fellowship and shared interests. 

Bob Sturtevant, instructor and research associate for the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, has advised the SAF club and supported students in getting hands-on forestry experience. Sturtevant said that Taryn has been instrumental in creating the diversity and outreach committee.

“Taryn is creating significant change in our chapter and the future of the forestry profession,” he said.

Taryn has helped the SAF club extend their outreach with initiatives that bridge gaps and break down barriers. These initiatives include improving digital channels for communication and LGBTQIA+ awareness training workshops in conjunction with the CSU Pride Resource Center. Taryn is working with other steering members of the SAF Alpha Student Chapter to provide peer mentoring in the field of forestry.  

Taryn’s approach to improving diversity for the SAF Alpha Student Chapter is based on inclusivity, approachability, community development, and respect. They noted that one way to show respect is by using the pronouns people identify with.  

“Respecting pronouns is a very simple way that you can make people feel comfortable, value them as a person, and value their entire identity,” Taryn said. 

Taryn said they hope to see continued growth in diversity and inclusion within forestry, the SAF student chapter, and at Colorado State.

“It would be great if forestry enrollment statistics reflected actual student populations. Forestry could still be more representative of our student populations’ different backgrounds and identities,” Taryn said.