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Jack N. Reynolds Memorial Forestry Field Days

by Janet Benton, Conservation Technician/Education Specialist, Dale County SWCD, Ozark, Alabama

 

Dale County 5th graders learn about forestry
Dale County 5th graders learn about forestry at the Jack N. Reynolds Memorial Forestry Field Days.

The Jack N. Reynolds Memorial Forestry Field Days is an annual educational event at the Mabson Community Educational Forest in Dale County. The event has been held annually since April 1995.

About 450 Dale County fifth graders attended the two-day event on April 22 and 23, 2009.

The Alabama Forestry Commission, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Wiregrass RC&D Council, and the Dale County SWCD/NRCS staff sponsored four educational stations that included wildlife conservation, tree products, the Enviroscape model, and a prescribed burning and tree planting demonstration.

As president of the Dale County TREASURE Forest Association, Jack N. Reynolds was instrumental in establishing the annual event. The pavilion was dedicated on November 2, 2002 in his memory.   Mr. Reynolds, a native of Dale County, retired and returned to Dale County in 1991 after a career with the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS).

The Mabson Community Educational Forest was developed on a reclaimed 37-acre tract of land owned and used by the City of Ozark.

The Mabson Community Educational Forest includes outdoor learning areas, walking trails and a pavilion. The site was expanded to include 60 acres owned by Plum Creek Timber Lands and is managed for timber production, wildlife habitat, soil and water quality and recreational purposes.

This multi-use community educational forest allows visitors to be educated on all the aspects of a well-managed forest. Forestry Best Management Practices that were improved or added to include buffers, stream crossings, and prescribed burning. The area is on a schedule for the thinning and pine planting, and the management of pines and hardwood for timber production and wildlife habitat.

This site is used for Fifth Grade Forestry Field Days, tours, and workshops. Arrangements for the use of the facility may be made by contacting the City of Ozark at (334) 774-3300.

The event was enjoyed by all.

Students study wildlife at the Forestry Field Day

Students study wildlife at the Forestry Field Day.

 A prescribed burning demonstration.

A prescribed burning demonstration at the Forestry Field Day.

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