A technical field trip to the Çanakkale and Balıkesir Regional Directorates of Forestry was organized between May 3–8, 2026, for final-year students of the Forest Engineering Department at Isparta Uygulamalı Bilimler Üniversitesi (ISUBÜ) Faculty of Forestry. The trip aimed to enhance students' practical skills, allow for on-site examination of different forest ecosystems, and promote the sharing of professional experience.
Day 1: Fire Sites and Silvicultural Interventions – Çanakkale Forest Enterprise Directorate
On the first day of the technical trip, inspections were carried out at the site of the 2025 Çanakkale Güzelyalı forest fire, under the guidance of Atikhisar Forest Enterprise Chief Berk Bağırgan. Within the scope of the program, students were provided with technical information on the natural regeneration efforts being carried out in the burned areas. Subsequently, artificial regeneration sites were examined in the company of Çanakkale Afforestation and Soil Conservation Chief İsmail Gülen, and the afforestation activities carried out in the region were evaluated.
Following the fieldwork, the Çanakkale Dardanos Forest Fire Management Center was visited. Forest Engineer Osman Bayır, serving at the center, shared information on fire management processes, early intervention systems, technologies in use, and the command and coordination of firefighting teams.
As part of the program, a luncheon was held with Çanakkale Regional Director of Forestry Enver Demirci, and a gift was presented on behalf of the university to commemorate the occasion. In the evening, a gathering was held with colleagues working in the region, accompanied by Çanakkale Forest Enterprise Director Eray Maden, during which a productive exchange of professional experiences took place.
Day 2: Kazdağı National Park – Bayramiç Forest Enterprise Directorate
On the second day of the trip, technical briefings on biodiversity, forest conservation activities, and forestry practices in Kazdağları were provided by Bayramiç Forest Enterprise Director Cengiz Cihan and Evciler Forest Enterprise Chief Betül Ağca. Despite challenging road conditions covered in snow, the group ascended to Kazdağları and conducted examinations at the Ayazma locality. Students were given detailed information about the operations carried out within the enterprise, the challenges encountered in field conditions, and approaches to resolving them, and their questions were answered.
Day 3: Gelibolu Historical Site Visit
As part of the program conducted under the guidance of Bigalı Kalesi Museum Director Melih Asaroğlu, who serves under the Çanakkale Battles Gelibolu Historical Site Presidency, a number of significant historical sites in the region were visited, most notably Bigalı Kalesi, Anzac Cove, the Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial, the Hilal-i Ahmer Hospital Reenactment Center, and the Seyit Onbaşı Monument. The examination of battle positions and frontlines proved to be a meaningful experience for students in terms of historical awareness and national consciousness. Additionally, a memorial was visited for Çanakkale Regional Director of Forestry Talat GÖKTEPE, who was martyred in a forest fire that occurred in the region in 1994.
Day 4: Ezine Forest Nursery Directorate Visit
The program began with a visit to the ancient city of Troya. The group then proceeded to Çanakkale Ezine Forest Nursery, where Çanakkale Forest Nursery Director Erdem Akyüz provided technical information on seedling cultivation and nursery management. Throughout the program, seedling beds, greenhouse applications, and cone-to-seed extraction processes were examined on-site, and students' questions were answered. Later in the day, the ancient city of Assos was visited. Social activities held in the evening gave students the opportunity to rest and interact socially following an intensive technical program.
Day 5: Kocakır Forest Depot and Edremit Forest Enterprise Directorate Visit
On the final day of the technical trip, the team conducted examinations at the Kocakır Depot Directorate, operating under the Balıkesir Regional Directorate of Forestry's Edremit Forest Enterprise Directorate. Edremit Forest Enterprise Director Barış Tamer Kilis and Kocakır Depot Chief Ali Cem Gürşen provided comprehensive information on the operation of the forest depot, sectoral dynamics, quality classification of forest products, and storage processes. Following the technical examinations, the program was concluded with visits to the historical and touristic sites of the Ayvalık district.
Acknowledgements
The technical trip was considered highly beneficial for the professional development of our students. The opportunity to examine different forest ecosystems on-site, observe forestry practices in the field, and meet with colleagues working across various units contributed significantly to their professional and social growth.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the valued personnel of the Çanakkale and Balıkesir Regional Directorates of Forestry for the close interest and support they demonstrated throughout the program. We also wish to thank Türkiye Ormancılar Derneği, the Çanakkale Battles Gelibolu Historical Site Presidency, and the Orman Mühendisleri Odası for their contributions to the technical trip. We further express our gratitude to our university Rectorate and our Deanship for providing transportation and accommodation support, as well as to our academic staff who guided our students throughout the field trip.