First Annual Forest Awareness Tour

Nearly 800 fourth and fifth graders from Anderson County participated in the first annual Forest Awareness Tour held at the Davey Dogwood Park in Palestine on
May 4-10. The event taught students and teachers about the importance of forest ecosystems, multiple use of forest for wood products and wildlife habitat, and forest management techniques.

Students passed through a challenging format of six stations on forest wildlife, forest products, forest heritage, tree and plant identification, fire in the landscape, and compass and pacing. The children participated in hands-on activities such as learning their pace and finding a spot with a compass, handling reptiles, and fire fighting equipment.

The children and teachers as well as instructors were impressed with the memorable and educational experience. The students gained a lasting appreciation of forests and, hopefully, some will become the next generation of natural resource professionals.

Partners included USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Forest Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Texas Cooperative Extension, Trinity Valley Forest Landowners Association, and forest consultants.
 

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