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About This ProjectThe project was well received in the state of Kentucky through the efforts of University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, the EPA, numerous 4-H groups, teachers, students (see acknowledgments) and countless others. But it was through the eyes of Gwenda Adkins that the potential of the What is Forestry? vision was seen. She along with Dr. Marcella Szymanski shared the dream of the project providing students and adults of Kentucky with forestry experiences and to give them an informed voice about the treasure that the forest provides. The project was shared with the Alaska Cooperative Extension Service in 2002 and adapted to reflect the forest of this northern-most state. A curriculum supplement was produced, children’s art, a website and most importantly a link to the students and teachers of Kentucky that were eager to share their forest and learn more about the forests of Alaska. All the while the seeds that were planted years earlier here in Oklahoma were growing and in May of 2004 a formal proposal was presented to the Oklahoma Forestry Services. Its acceptance made the dream of bringing another state into the What is Forestry? family a reality. In the state of Oklahoma, What is Forestry? Connecting Oklahoma Communities (WIF) is a multifaceted project that empowers youth (K-12) through education and experience to share the importance of trees and forestry. Components include gardening and the arts for primary grades, place based biodiversity units for elementary grades, land use change including GIS/GPS at the middle level and high school service learning projects that incorporate the ever popular Free Trees for Schools program. The Art Gallery features selected children's artwork. What is Forestry? Connecting Oklahoma Communities is still growing. The two year development and implementation began in earnest in August 2004 followed by a year of evaluation. It has won the endorsement and support of the Oklahoma Forestry Services, Oklahoma Urban and Community Forestry Council, Oklahoma Project Learning Tree, OSU Forestry Extension, Oklahoma Kids in Environmental Education, Inc., Weyerhaeuser, Herron Industries, OK Forest Heritage Center, Oklahoma Forestry Association, Quachita Mountains RC&D, US Natural Resource Conservation Service, Society of American Foresters, OK Department of Wildlife Conservation and J.M. Huber Corporation. What is Forestry? Connecting Oklahoma Communities is a project that opens the doors of communication between the people of our great state. Your input, support and involvement are encouraged. We are now taking applications for schools to pilot each of the four grade levels during the 2008-09 school year. Teams of teachers, either with horizontal or vertical alignment, will teach all or parts of the program to their students and provide feedback. Trainings for implementation will be held July/August/September 2008 either in Tulsa, OKC or at participating schools with at least 6 involved teachers. Stipends will also be offered. To enroll as a pilot school, please fill out a registration form and we will be in touch. For more information about any part of the What is Forestry? Connecting Oklahoma Communities project: Contact Us |
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