Amid the current tough economic times, efforts are underway to recruit in what some might call a forgotten field.

The 12th Annual Alabama Forestry Camp wrapped up Thursday in Epes.

The five-day camp provides high school students from around the state, the opportunity to learn more about the natural resource industry through hands on activities.

"We like to establish relationships with the students to possibly look at recruiting when they get ready for employment," said Brad Lang of the Alabama Forestry Commission. "And if they want to get in the natural resource world with a high school education, we have positions they can work on and we can hopefully promote them to go to college in a natural resource position."

"I think when I go to college, I was going to major in economics but I think I might major in forestry," said German Smith, a senior from Eutaw.

"I'll consider it now," said Jasmine McTear, a sophomore from Birmingham. "Now, that I think about it, yeah."

Thirty-five students took part in this year's camp. For more information on the camp or job opportunities, you may contact the Alabama Forestry Commission at 205-333-1490.