To get practical exposure on field botany, Joint Forest Management, modern nursery techniques, Silvicultural Systems, landscape management and wildlife conservation, the students of M.Sc. Forestry (2017-19) visited different sites in Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh from 8th-13th April, 2018. The students were guided by Sh. V.K. Dhawan, and Dr. Amit Kumar. The trip aimed to understand different forest types (tropical, sub-tropical and temperate forests) and changes in vegetation structure and composition across different elevations. The model village of Sukhomajri, Haryana was visited to understand different watershed management practices under Joint Forest Management, which has alleviated the economic conditions of villagers. Thereafter, students were taken to Clonal Eucalyptus nursery of Pragati Biotechnologies at Hoshiyarpur, Punjab. On the way to Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (YSPUHF), Nauni, Solan, students got opportunity to explore Eco-tourism camp, Chewa Bharog, which is one of the three public private partnerships (ppp) modelled camps of Himachal Pradesh. The students also learnt about the forest types and vegetation of Kasauli, Solan, Chail and Kufri in Himachal Pradesh. At YSPUHF, Solan, the students visited herbarium and arboretum. Knowledge about dairy technology, agroforestry systems and non-timber forest products was also shared. The students have also studied Oak and deodar forests at Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and were taken to Cheer Pheasant Conservation Breeding Centre. Further, Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri was visited to learn about ex-situ conservation. On the last day of the tour, students were taken to Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre, Pinjore, which is known for artificial incubation of Gyps vulture eggs and Kapoor Herbal Garden of the Haryana Forest Department.
