Forestry

What is forestry?

Forestry is the study of trees. Without trees, we would not have shade on a hot summer day. Without trees, we would not have wood to build houses and furniture. Birds would have no place to build nests. Without trees, we would not have a tire swing. Without trees, we would not have enough oxygen to breathe. Trees are one of the most important and valuable resources found around our towns and communities. Trees deserve everyone's respect, and can be planted just about anywhere they are needed.

What projects or exhibits can I do with forestry?

• Start a leaf collection. Learn to identify and press leaves so that they may be kept for a collection. Create a collection of as many different types of leaves as you can find, and include the steps involved in identifying leaves.
  Create an original artwork using parts of a tree. Leaves, nuts, branches, and flowers, all make great pieces of art. Do not hurt a living tree for this project!
• Try to grow a tree from a seed. Investigate the process and try it. It is not as easy as Mother Nature makes it seem! Keep a record of your tree's growth through drawings, pictures or words. Predict how tall and wide your tree will become after 10 years, 20 years, or 100 years, and add this to your journal.
• Talk to a conservation officer about trees. Discuss the importance of trees for us to live a healthy life. What is the cost of losing trees in your community? Create a poster about the importance of trees to your community and the world.
• Plan a tree planting day in your community or school. Visit a local nursery and ask if they might be willing to help with this cause. County Conservation offices may also be willing to help. Arbor Day is a National holiday for planting trees, but could there be other holidays to celebrate trees? Make one up! Every day is a good day to plant a tree. Create a brochure that tells everyone about your "Day for Trees".

Resources about forestry

• Order publications or use the online ordering system
• Follow the Path Youth Activity Guide Grades 3-5 4H-0822A (order)
• Reach for the Canopy Youth Activity Guide Grades 6-8 4H-0822B (order)
• Explore the Deep Woods Youth Activity Guide Grades 9-12 4H-0822C (order)
• Forestry Helper's Guide 4H-0822LDR (order)
• Forestry Reference Handbook PM 1850 (order)
• Iowa's Trees IAN 304 (PDF)
• Iowa's Shrubs and Vines IAN 307 (PDF)

Links

• 4-H CCS Forests of Fun curriculum
• Trees for Kids Learn how to get a free tree for your school
• USDA Forest Service Kids Page
• Sierra Club
• The John Muir Exhibit Learn about one of the greatest conservationists in American history
• EEK! Environmental Education for Kids Search for forest!
• 4-H Virtual Forest-visit this online forest for rainy day fun!