Fallon Thornton grows career as a Hired Before Grad

From a summer student in silviculture and tree planting to now a full-time employee, Fallon Thornton has had many opportunities to grow professionally with Irving Woodlands. 

The now Junior Grower at Juniper Tree Nursery in central New Brunswick started with the company in 2022 as a student grower at the nursery. In summer 2023, Fallon moved over to tree planting as a team leader. She would repeat this role in the 2024 planting season. 

“At the time, my experience in tree planting, operational planning and supervision was limited compared to my knowledge of tree growth – but I was eager to take on the challenge and learn,” Fallon said of her student experience. 

In 2025, Fallon was hired before she graduated from her studies at the Maritime College of Forest Technology, secure in the knowledge that she had a job in her field near where she grew up in Fredericton, N.B.  

“Having a job lined up before graduation was important to me,” Fallon said. “It gave me the freedom to focus fully on my studies without the added pressure of job hunting, and it also motivated me in my pursuit of a meaningful career.” 

All the seedlings destined for tree planting are grown at Juniper Tree Nursery. As such, it plays an important role in J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI)’s tree improvement program, which aims to identify, breed and grow the most robust variety of trees.  

Silviculture underpins healthy working forest management, which involves growing more wood than is harvested while planning for a changing climate. 

For Fallon, working at Juniper Tree Nursery aligns closely with her values related to environmental and working forest stewardship. 

As a Junior Grower, Fallon monitors and supports the growth and health of seedlings, ensuring they have optimal growing conditions. This includes careful irrigation, nutrition and climate control. 

“I’m continually challenged by the complex and detailed science of tree growth, while also having the opportunity to develop my skills in process improvement and operational planning,” Fallon said. “On top of that, Juniper is truly a beautiful place. I’m grateful to work surrounded by nature, the forest, and a team of great people.” 

To learn more about how JDI approaches tree improvement and sustainable forest management, read the 2024 J.D. Irving, Limited Forest Supply Chain Climate, Conservation and Community Impact Report: www.jdirvingsustainability.com.