COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 3, 2024: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry held two annual events to engage students and teachers from across Ohio and are already preparing for next year’s fun.
This year’s Forestry Teacher Field Days and Camp Canopy events were held in June. Educators and students who would like to attend next year’s events are welcome to sign up now.
The Division of Forestry invited educators from across Ohio to the 18th annual Forestry Teacher Field Days at Vinton Furnace State Forest June 6 and 7.
“The event is designed to engage educators with nature and inspire forest-centric curriculum in classrooms,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser. “We’re proud to offer this event each and every year to foster new ideas.”
The theme this year was “Hiking Through History,” with sessions on Ohio’s natural history, Smokey Bear, and more. Educators joined in activities including an interpretive day hike, a trip to the Moonville Tunnel, and a Project Learning Tree (PLT) Pre-K through12 Educator Workshop.
PLT is an award-winning education program and has tailored activities for educational settings, focusing on student engagement with the environment and forests. Over the years, the event has served hundreds of educators, benefiting thousands of students. If you or an educator in your circle would be interested in attending next year, please let us know at plt@dnr.ohio.gov.
Along with Forestry Teacher Field Days, the division also hosted high school-age youth at Camp Canopy for a week of forestry fun and wildlife education. In addition to classes on forestry and wildlife management, Camp Canopy 2024 featured geology sessions, reptile education, and electrofishing during the week of June 9.
“Camp Canopy immerses students in natural resources, offering hands-on programs where they can make friends and learn from industry experts,” said Jeremy Scherf, ODNR Division of Forestry Service Forestry Manager and Camp Co-Director. “We are happy to have wrapped up another successful year.”
The camp also awarded $6,250 worth of college scholarships. Camp Canopy is sponsored by the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation, a non-profit corporation dedicated to the conservation of Ohio’s forests and forest industry. If a high school student in your life would be interested in attending this camp next year (sponsorships are available to attend camp), please visit campcanopy.com or let us know at forestry.comments@dnr.ohio.gov.
The Ohio Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram @odnrforestry.
In 2024, join ODNR as we celebrate 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.