In 1897, Berea College initiated a forestry effort—the same year as the Forest Reserve Organic Act and the first College forestry degree programs in the United States began. The effort was initiated by Professor Silas C. Mason with the goals of (1) offering general forestry education for students and (2) obtaining a source of wood and income for the College.

Today, the Department manages 8,000 acres of forest land and offers both classes and outreach programs related to forestry. Education and demonstration serves as the structure for the management goals of wood, water, wildlife and recreation.