20/06/2025
BCTC Students Explore the East Nimba Nature Reserve
By Josiah Pailay , Agriculture Reporter
Deep in the heart of Nimba District #3, in the quiet town of Zor-Tapa headquarters of the East Nimba Nature Reserve more than 50 agriculture students from B**g County Technical College (BCTC) had an experience they will never forget.
As part of their Introduction to Forestry (AGTEC 102) course, these students went beyond the classroom walls into the depths of one of Liberia’s most important forest ecosystems.
This journey wasn’t just a school trip. It was a practical lesson in conservation, biodiversity, and the deep connection between humans and nature.
The trip began in Ganta City, where the students made a stop at the Liberia International Christian College (LICC).
There, they interacted with faculty and students and learned about the role of education in forest preservation.
This stop helped set the tone for what was ahead a mix of learning, engagement, and discovery.
From Ganta, the students continued their journey to Zor-Tapa Nimba District #3 , and finally arrived at the East Nimba Nature Reserve, which covers more than 11,500 hectares of protected forest.
The reserve is jointly managed by the Liberian government through the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and local communities, creating a unique example of cooperative conservation.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by Zone Wardens Mr. Alvin J. Kayee and Mr. Roga Akia Tahn, along with Eco Guard Chairman Enoch W. Karkay.
These forest experts led the group deep into the forest, offering simple but powerful lessons along the way.
For many students, it was their first time seeing wild animal species and unique forest trees up close.
They walked through thick vegetation, paused under towering trees, and observed the richness of Liberia’s natural beauty.
The forest felt alive birds sang from the canopy, insects buzzed, and the cool, fresh air wrapped around them like a natural blanket.
Inside what is called the "buffer zone" or “conservation corridor,” students felt the natural drop in temperature and learned how forests regulate the climate and provide clean air.
They also saw the source of the watershed that serves nearby communities a powerful reminder of how forests are essential to life.
The field session became a moving classroom. The rangers explained key topics like biodiversity the variety of life in the forest and ecosystems how plants, animals, and humans are all connected.
They also shared historical facts about the forest: how it was officially reserved in 2003 through an agreement between the government and local people, and why that partnership still matters today.
The students listened with curiosity, asked questions, and took notes. The forest wasn't just something to look at it was something to understand, respect, and protect.
At the end of the day, the students gathered for a discussion. Many expressed deep gratitude to their course lecturer, Mr. Emmanuel Weah II affectionately known as Epossible K. Weah II .
He had not only taught them theory in the classroom, but also made sure they experienced it firsthand.
“This trip is a wake-up call for us,” said Jonnah G. Kollie a female student at BCTC , “We’ve read about forests before, but today, we touched the trees, saw the animals, and felt what it means to protect the environment.”
Several students even shared plans to study Forestry at a master’s level, inspired by what they had seen and learned.
The East Nimba Nature Reserve trip was more than a journey it was a turning point for many young minds.
It proved the power of hands-on learning and the importance of protecting Liberia’s natural heritage.
As the students returned to B**g County, they carriing with them more than just pictures and notes.
They carried knowledge, purpose, and a renewed commitment to use their education to protect the land they call home.
This is what education should be not just about passing exams, but about inspiring action, opening eyes, and shaping the future.
