The Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada (CIF/IFC) is a national voice for forestry professionals. The CIF/IFC (formed in 1908) has approximately 2,400 members organized in 18 sections across Canada representing members who are scientists, academics, technicians, foresters and professionals with an interest in the well being of the forest.

As the section representing southern Ontario, we are in the unique position of representing a region of Canada which contains forest types and individual tree species which are not found in any other part of this country. Our membership works towards educating the people of Ontario and Canada about our dynamic forest ecosystems and their importance to our health and well-being.

The CIF-SOS has over 140 members spread out over the entire southern Ontario landscape, from Windsor in the southwest, to Peterborough in the east, and Orillia in the north (see map for section boundaries). Our membership includes men and women employed in a diverse array of occupations all related to forestry, from academics in colleges and universities to municipal and government employees, from self-employed forestry consultants to forest industry personnel.

The Southern Ontario Section sponsors and participates in a number of activities, including:

• general section meetings which have included slide talks, panel discussions, lecture series and field trips to view forestry operations, trials, greenhouses, sugar bush operations, etc. (see meetings)
• development of public education materials and conducting field tours (see activities)
• annual CIF meetings (May or June)

We encourage anyone living/working in southern Ontario who has an interest in the future of our precious forest to come to our meetings and/or join the CIF/IFC (see membership information)

We do not offer an employment service, since we are all volunteers to begin with. But coming out to some of our meetings will provide an excellent opportunity to meet other foresters who might provide the leads you require. Also, check our links page for information about other forestry agencies which may have openings.

Contact Us