Why become a member?
Join a community of individuals who are passionate about forests and the environment.
A membership with the CIF-IFC will help you
achieve your professional and personal goals
while taking part in something bigger.
Scroll below to see why you should become a member!
What does the CIF-IFC do?
The Voice of Forest Practitioners
Founded in 1908, the Canadian Institute of Forestry / Institut forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC) is the oldest forest organization in Canada representing a broad range of members through its 17 regional Sections located from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland, and an International Forestry Network. For the first time in CIF-IFC history, the Institute has an elected National Executive (2023-2024) that is gender-balanced with Indigenous representation. The Institute is dedicated to providing national leadership in forestry and forest stewardship, promoting competency among forest practitioners, and fostering public awareness and education of Canadian and international forest and forestry issues.
Knowledge Exchange and Competency Training
Promoting an understanding of good forest stewardship through field tours, seminars, and workshops
- Advanced Silviculture Courses (Ontario Tree Marking Program)
- Bridge Training Program for Foresters
- Continuing Forestry Education Credits
- Other knowledge exchange events such as technical sessions, field tours, socials etc. hosted both regionally and nationally
- Supporting the next generation of forest practitioners
Outreach and Education
Providing resources and programs for teachers, students, forest practitioners and the public.
- Outreach Tours (i.e. Teachers’ Tour, Winter Students’ Field Tour)
- Forest Education (i.e. Teaching Kits, Infographics, Factsheets, Forestry Career Profiles)
- CIF-IFC Forest Education Network – a free subscription program for teachers and educators to be the first to know about news and updates regarding CIF-IFC’s forest education program and resources.
- Forest History
- Tree Planting Programs (i.e. Trees of Celebration Program)
Flagship Programs and Initiatives
Inspiring confidence and pride in Canadian forestry – nationally and internationally.
- National Awards
- Silver Ring Program
- E-Lectures
- National Forest Week
- Free to Grow in Forestry
- CIF-SEEK
- Annual National Conference
- The Forestry Chronicle
- Young Professional Foresters’ Exchange Programme (coming soon!)
Forest Advocacy
Promoting forests as a valuable, renewable and sustainable resource.
- Press releases
- Blog posts
- Editorials
- Social media
- Information bulletins
- Other multimedia products and “Speaking Out” pieces
Forests without Borders
Forests without Borders is a registered charity established by the CIF-IFC, working to protect, conserve and restore or improve forest landscapes for health, security, the economy and the environment nationally and internationally.
Why become a member?
A membership with the CIF-IFC means that you are part of a national network of forest practitioners that advocate for forests and all those who work in and with forests, at the regional, national and international level. The Institute’s interdisciplinary membership and regional presence from coast to coast offers the scientific expertise needed to ensure Canada’s forests are vibrant, healthy and sustainable.
As a member you become an important part of an organization dedicated to supporting sustainable forestry and beyond, while taking strides to make a difference. Through your membership, you will have access to unique and meaningful opportunities for networking and enhancing your career and personal goals, as well as staying up to date on forest/forestry news and information. Become a member of a long-standing forestry institution dedicated to the sustainability of the wide range of goods and services that forests provide!
Member Values and Benefits
A membership allows you to be part of a community of like-minded individuals
who are passionate about forests and the environment.
Community
Meaningful Engagement
Personal & Professional Growth
#RootedInCIF
How are we leading the way
with forward thinking in 2026?
- Continuation of a climate adaptation and resilience training program of forest professionals through the Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP) and the Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities (CRCC) Program to reduce climate change risks and build more resilient communities across the country in support of the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS).
- Completion of the second phase of the “Open Urban Forests – Establishing the First National View of Urban Forestry Geospatial Data in Canada” project, focused on urban forestry geospatial data (launched in 2024).
- Supporting forest education across Canada with educational resources on a variety of topics and levels, through our CIF-IFC Forest Education Network and as part of the International Model Forest Network program with lesson plans, blogs, E-Lecture webinars, and more!
- In collaboration with the CIF-IFC Rocky Mountain Section, the 2026 National Conference and 118th Annual General Meeting will take from September 27th- 29th in Edmonton, Alberta. This event will unite forestry professionals, practitioners, and students from across North America and beyond under the theme, “Leading from where we are for a brighter future.”
- Expanding outreach and growing the profile of National Forest Week across Canada and beyond, under the theme “Forest Pathways: Innovation and Sustainability” for 2026.
- The Forestry Chronicle – publishing new issues on relevant and current science in the Institute’s professional and scientific forestry journal, since 1925.
- Commemorating life moments through the Trees of Celebration Program, and supporting partners dedicated to planting trees across Canada through additional Tree Planting Programs.
- Diversifying membership and ensuring the CIF-IFC is welcoming and inclusive to all individuals.
- Advocating for sustainable forest management through publications on key issues, such as invasive species, urban forestry, climate change, and others.
- Continuing to unite graduates in Canadian forestry at the national level and growing the number of Silver Ring Schools across Canada.
- Increasing awareness of careers in forestry and promoting international opportunities for youth and new forest practitioners through the Young Professional Foresters’ Exchange Program.
- Celebrating gender-balanced CIF-IFC National Executive Team with Indigenous representation.
What current members are saying
“Thanks to the CIF-IFC, I have been able to stay connected to students and those entering the profession, as well as the elders that were pioneers in adopting sustainable practices in Canadian forests. Throughout my career I have been supported by, and had opportunities to provide support to, my community of peers through the CIF-IFC.”
“Early in my forestry career on northern Vancouver Island, I was pleased to receive a genuine welcome from members of the CIF-IFC Section. I appreciated the willingness of those foresters to share their knowledge; they readily recommended ways to expand my forestry horizons. I enjoyed getting involved with those enthusiastic foresters in a variety of interesting and lively section activities: interagency forestry field days, National Forest Week multi-agency tree plants, community events, and school tours. Remembering the welcome I received from members in my early days of forestry, it is gratifying to watch the CIF-IFC grow to become ever more diverse and inclusive through the Free to Grow in Forestry initiative.”
“I became a member of the CIF as a University of Alberta student with the Rocky Mountain section for the benefits of interaction between students and working professionals. After retirement joining the CIF-IFC National Executive Committee was a way of giving back to the profession and using my education, experiences and talents to help the CIF grow and develop to where it is today.”
“My favourite part of being with the CIF-IFC is the network of people and camaraderie across the country; we are found coast-to-coast, across all forestry disciplines and adjacent fields. Knowing I can reach out to the body of knowledge contained within our membership allows me to be a better professional, and the lasting friendships I have developed enrich my personal life as well.”
“The CIF-IFC has always felt like a family to me. A family that can always be there for you. I first met some CIF-IFC members when I was a university student. Then when I started my career in northern Saskatchewan, I joined the section and immediately had new connections. As I bounced from opportunity to opportunity in Ontario, then Saskatchewan, then to Alberta and now back to Manitoba there was always a CIF Section to connect with and members willing to help me get on my feet. I now have colleagues in every province, and many have become lifelong friends.”
“I am proud to be a CIF-IFC member! One of my most memorable experiences as a member was attending the 2013 CIF-IFC Conference and AGM in Corner Brook, Newfoundland – with my mom. We had so many great adventures on that trip including our time in St. John’s having a beer in a downtown pub, visiting Signal Hill, quick trip to Quidi Vidi, a stop at Terra Nova National Park on our very long drive to Corner Brook, and of course the fantastic field trip that included a boat ride through Gros Morne National Park. My mom now considers herself an honorary forester and Newfoundlander!”
Membership Types
Student Membership
For members who are currently registered as a full-time student or are a recent graduate within the last 2-years.
Active Membership
For members who are not considered students or retired.
Retired Membership
For members who are currently retired.
International Forestry Network
For members who reside outside of Canada and are not affiliated with an existing Section of the Institute.
Membership Referral Program
Do you like FREE things? As membership is the foundation of the Institute, we are always looking to encourage new members to join our community of like-minded individuals. We are excited to finally introduce the new Membership Referral Program. This initiative invites current members to recommend the CIF-IFC to their colleagues/friends and encourage them to become a member. As a valued CIF-IFC member, you can be rewarded when your colleagues and friends also become CIF-IFC members!
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