Choctaw County Initiates Classroom in the Forest

by Michael Gunn, NRCS Distict Conservationist, Choctaw and Sumter Counties

When the Choctaw County Natural Resources Coordinating Committee met to discuss educational events to plan for the children in the county, someone mentioned the "Classroom in the Forest" program.  We are so glad they did. We thought it was a great idea!

The forestry planning council chose to start small and selected the first group of students from Southern Choctaw High School in Gilbertown, Alabama.

Instructors from various businesses (such as Cory Martin from Judson Timber Inc., Mr. O. M. Becton private forestry consultant, Jennifer Miller ACES, Sue Thompson ACES, Gary Fortenberry Choctaw SWCD) helped with the first day which involved classroom instruction on valuable things such as taxes.

"Children need to know what helps pay for their education," said Mr. O.M Becton.

The second day the group made a journey into the woods at Becton’s farm in southwest Choctaw County. Students were rotated through several lesson stops which taught them about stewardship of natural resources and components of quality wildlife habitats.  The lessons were facilitated by Alex Brand of FSA and Chuck Quinn of AFC.

The students and the instructors enjoyed this outdoor event that was hosted on the Mr. and Mrs. O.M. Becton’s Farm in southwest Choctaw County.

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