"Classroom in the Forest: Forest in the Classroom"

by Jody Burdette, District Conservationist, Anniston, AL

Students in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties have been participating in “Classroom in the Forest: Forest in the Classroom.” This educational program is designed to teach the importance of private forest land and the significance of private forest landowners as they management our forest natural resources for multiple uses. The program has two goals. First, to help students and their teachers understand more about the concept of multiple-use management of our forest resources, while emphasizing how important private landowners are in the management of these valuable resources. The second goal is to involve private landowners and stake holders in the education of our youth, while educating other landowners and the general public about the importance of our natural resources.

There were approximately 316 students from Calhoun and Cleburne Counties who participated in the program, and 20 teachers and volunteers. The presenters meet with the students in the classroom and discussed different aspects and roles that landowners, stakeholders, and professionals have in multiple-use management. A few weeks after the classroom presentation, the students took a field trip to a private landowner’s farm so they could experience first-hand some of the concepts that were introduced in the classroom. On the field trip, there were four activities and a walking tour of the farm. Through these activities and the tour, the students learned to identify healthy trees, to recognize the importance of good habitats for animals, and to realize the importance of being good stewards of the land.

“Classroom in the Forest: Forest in the Classroom” was a partnership effort. The following partners made this event possible: Alabama Treasure Forest, Calhoun and Cleburne Counties Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service (Anniston Field Office), Calhoun County Farmers Federation, Calhoun County Extension Office and Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Forestry Commission, Calhoun and Cleburne Counties TREASURE Forest Associations.

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