Education
Educating Alabamians on the importance of our forests is a key aspect of our mission. We provide information to our state’s forest landowners, school children, government officials, volunteer fire departments, and the public. Agency personnel work with other organizations to conduct workshops, forestry tours, and educational programs.
Forestry Educational Programs
For more than 80 years, Smokey Bear has taught generations of Americans about the importance of wildfire prevention. His powerful message, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” is at the heart of the longest-running public service announcement (PSA) campaign in U.S. history. Smokey has become a pillar in the protection of our nation’s wildlands and an American icon.
The AFC is proud to share Smokey’s wildfire prevention message with Alabamians.
Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN) is an outdoor education program for Alabama sixth graders. Students explore our state’s forests, natural resources, and environmental challenges through hands-on learning led by forestry professionals, landowners, and agency experts. The goal is to share science-based facts about the importance of Alabama’s forests and inspire the next generation of conservation-minded citizens.
Classroom in the Forest (CiF) gives Alabama students a close-up look at private forestlands, the people who manage them, and the many treasures they hold. This program highlights the critical role private lands and landowners play in protecting the environment and strengthening Alabama’s economy.
Coordinated and partially funded by the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association (ATFA), CiF relies on strong partnerships with county forestry planning committees, local schools, and the Alabama Forestry Commission.
Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning environmental education program that uses forests as a “window” into the natural world. Designed for educators, PLT helps these professionals build awareness of the environment, understand their role within it, and develop the skills to make wise conservation decisions to take back to our youth.
Classroom Resources