Page 14 - North Carolina Forestry Association - Fall 2019

Teachers share what they learned from this unique and valuable NCFA education program
“This is so cool!”
It’s a comment I’ve heard frequently
during the past three years from participants in the Sustainable Forestry Teachers Experience (SFTE). Most
recently, I heard it from a group member exploring a local mill in Southern Pines.
From the coast to the mountains, teachers are amazed
at the ingenuity, engineering and science behind managing our state’s trees. They often come to our experience eager to learn, but skeptical of sustainable forestry practices in North Carolina. North Carolina’s rapid development and urban population boom have created a scenario where it is difficult for the public not to form such an opinion. However, with the help of this unique NCFA program, teachers are able to understand that the individuals managing our state’s natural resources are doing so in a responsible way.
Throughout the weeklong experience, participants have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals through curriculum development, field trips, guest speakers and fellow educators. Teachers are able to get a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about where roughly 5,000 wood products come
from, and to gain first-hand encounters in the field. Jayne Young, a now retired teacher from Hoke County
Public Schools, has had the rare honor of participating in all three regional SFTEs; now she assists me as a Project Learning Tree Facilitator. At the beginning of each experience, Young tells teachers, “I was a tree hugger — never cut down a tree. So I went to the Sustainable Teachers Experience as a skeptic. It opened my eyes to how forests are grown sustainably, how responsible mills use every part of the tree, and how even
the water that is used is treated before entering the river basins. Now, when I shop, I am looking for products made
or packaged from sustainably forested materials. The NCFA’s SFTE program has changed my perspective in so many ways.”
The Sustainable Forestry Teachers Experience program has had a very positive impact for many participants. Here’s just a sampling of the feedback I’ve received from participants:
“The connections between education lessons and actual industry are very relevant.”
“Loved the tours and connections made with other teachers. All the resources gained are going to add to my ability to educate my students about sustainable forestry.”
“Definitely one of the best workshops I’ve attended!”
Participants in the 2019 Coastal Plains Sustainable Forestry Teachers Experience toured International Paper Co.’s New Bern Mill in Vanceboro, NC.
12 ncforestry.org / THIRD QUARTER 2019