The mission of the Division of Forestry’s Education program is to facilitate and promote objective education concerning the natural environment and its management. We do this by preparing educators to effectively deliver facts to their target audience. Our vision is to have a knowledgeable citizenry responsible for maintaining a healthy environment and thriving economy as a result of our continued investment of time and resources into each generation. Forests are part of an interdependent natural system, not an isolated entity. While Indiana's forestland is our focus, we consider the management of all natural resources.
- Project Learning Tree
Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers, non-formal educators, home-school educators and others who work with students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Sponsored by the American Forest Foundation and used in 50 states and several foreign countries, PLT provides educators with interdisciplinary instructional activities and lesson plans that can be infused into their existing curricula. Teachers wishing to use PLT materials must attend a training session, where they receive the materials.
- Arbor Day in Indiana
Arbor Day in Indiana is celebrated on the last Friday in April. This is another way to teach young people about the importance of trees. During the winter months, the Division of Forestry sends a letter to all Indiana school principals asking if they would like an Arbor Day tree for their schools. Those who do will receive a tree and instructions during the week before Arbor Day. A similar offer allows every third-grade student in Indiana to receive a tree seedling.
- Forests of Indiana Curriculum Supplement
Geared toward fourth-graders, the Forests of Indiana Curriculum Supplement presents forest inventory data in an interesting, understandable way, and provides educators with information and lesson ideas. It is easy for students to use and contains additional resources and assessment tools for their teachers.
- Indiana Expeditions: Forests At Work
This award-winning PBS special, Indiana Expeditions: Forests At Work, investigates the science behind forestry from the lab to field. The video follows foresters into Indiana’s woodlands to learn how management helps keep Indiana’s forests healthy and productive. Whether it be an urban forest in the middle of a city or a 25,000-acre state forest, the science of forestry helps maintain the trees we depend on for the very air we breathe. The entire video can be viewed on the WFYI website.
- Wood on Wheels
Indiana Woods on Wheels is a traveling interactive exhibit that provides information about the Hoosier state’s most renewable resource, our forests. Visitors will feel as if they have been transported to the woods as soon as they enter—the interactive displays will immerse the senses while covering key topics in forestry. Navigating through the exhibit takes visitors from learning about the benefits of forest management and how it supports Indiana’s native wildlife to the history of Indiana’s forests and the many industries that rely on our magnificent hardwoods to produce the products we all know and love.Woods on Wheels has a target audience of 4th- 6th grade students but includes information for high school students eager to explore forestry career options, landowners needing expertise, policymakers looking to inform their decisions, educators, and fact-seeking members of the public. Along with having beneficial information for all within the exhibit, our Woods on Wheels forester will be there to answer questions, offer more in-depth information, and provide science-based forestry lessons to students!
