The Sustainable Forestry Teachers’ Academy, organized by NC State University’s Forestry & Environmental Outreach Program and NC Project Learning Tree, is currently accepting registration for two 2013 summer sessions. The Coastal Academy will be held June 17-21, 2013 in New Bern, NC. The Mountain Academy will be held June 24-28, 2013 in Asheville, NC.
The four-day residential program focuses on the social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainable forestry in North Carolina. Teachers visit a variety of forests and mills learning about forest management and the manufacturing of various wood products such as paper, furniture, plywood, and lumber.
Teachers participate in tours and hikes in forests under an array of ownership and management plans. Excursions to museums, state forests, experimental forests, and environmental learning centers round out the experience. Participants should expect a fast-paced week,with extended moderate walking, great food, networking, and lots of fun!
Extensive materials and discussions prepare participants to transfer what they have learned back to the classroom and to their students. To date, more than 500 North Carolina teachers have participated in the Sustainable Forestry Teachers’ Academy.
Sponsors for 2013 include the NC Division of Forest Resources, the NC Forestry Association’s Forest Education and Conservation Foundation, and the NC Sustainable Forestry Initiative State Implementation Committee.
Meals and lodging are provided, however teachers selected to participate are required to submit a $100 deposit to hold their spot in the academy, which will be returned upon arrival. CEU renewal credits will be awarded.
More information and online registration : www.ncsu.edu/sfta. Registration will remain open until April 5, 2013.
Currently the Academy is only available to North Carolina teachers, however similar opportunities for teachers in other states can be found at http://www.forestinfo.org/forestry_tours/2013.