Download - School Forest Committee Basics
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School Forest Committee Basics
February 2013
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Why Have A School Forest Committee?
School Forests are accountable to theDNR for:
Educational activities Annual report Committee and Site Coordinator Funding Stewardship Plan Land ownership
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Why Have A School Forest Committee?
One person can’t do it all.
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Why Have A School Forest Committee?
Buy-in
When everyone feels they had a say in forming an idea, the idea is more likely to be supported.
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Who’s in charge?
Usually (but not always) the site coordinator.
Remember:
You DON’T have to do it all!
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Who should be on your committee?
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Motivations everyone can agree with:
1. Restoring forest health
2. Helping kids
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Have diversity!Diversity =
Strength
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Example Committee Members Teachers Administrators Grounds person Parents Students DNR forester Local business Local volunteers Property neighbors ?
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4 overarching duties common to all committees:
1. Site Management2. Funding3. Empowering other teachers4. Make
decisions/recommendations
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1. Guide site development• Trails• Signs• Invasive species
management• Reduce vandalism• Wildlife blinds• Gardens• Outdoor seating area• Plant /harvest/tap trees
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2. Ensure appropriate funding is available
For things like:• Construction• Maintenance• Bussing
Think about designating:• A grant writer• Someone to keep track of
accomplishments and to write thank you notes.
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3. Empowering other teachers
• Staff training• Showcase student projects• Grab-and-go activities• Map – post on Google Earth• Student-created trail/field guide• Communication/positive
reinforcement
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4. Make decisions/recommendations
Typical ExampleYears 1-5
Establish committeeReduce invasive speciesSet up bussing systemStaff training
Years 6-10Increase school visitsPlant vegetationSignsAdd SF web page to school site
Years 11-15Funding for outdoor seating/trails
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Example Goals: Bailey School Forest
Years 1-5 Establish committee Reduce invasive species Set up bussing system Staff training
Years 6-10 Increase school visits Plant vegetation Signs Add SF web page to school site
Years 11-15 Funding for outdoor seating/trails
Team meets quarterly.
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Example: Linwood School Forest Committee: principal, 1-2 parents, 2
teachers, 2 local community members; 1-2 city staff
Goals: • Add 40 acres, • Obtaining snowshoes • Provide a naturalists-teacher program• Add a butterfly garden • Create a trail & field guide • Add a web site
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Example: Lake of the Woods School Forest
Committee meets monthly
Members: site coordinator, SWCD, grounds supervisor, parents, DNR forester, teachers (including a high school rep),
Projects: • brush-hogging trails • constructing wetland and
boardwalk• creating outdoor seating area