By Vanessa Bullwinkle

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 2011 as International Year of Forests.

UN observances are used to promote awareness of and action for important political, social, cultural, or human rights issues.  2011’s “Year of Forests” is intended to promote broader understanding of the importance of forests and bolster global efforts to promote sustainable forest management and conservation, for the benefit of current and future generations.

“Year of Forests” is a great opportunity to raise awareness of environmental issues related to forests!  While it may seem far away, Project Learning Tree (in conjunction with a variety of partners at the United Nations, the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of Conservation Districts) is already planning a series of events and activities that educators can conduct with their students.

The first of these is a specially adapted PLT Activity 20 “Environmental Exchange Box.”  Available now online at www.plt.org, and in the 2011 edition of PLT’s PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide, the activity involves your students in the planning and conducting of a “forest exchange” with another group of students in a different part of the country.  Students are encouraged to collect items, samples, data, facts, and reports that will teach your exchange partners about the forests and trees of your region. 

Before doing this activity, you’ll need to find another group to exchange with—and we can help!  Just fill out the form online at www.plt.org and send it to the National Office of Project Learning Tree, 1111 19th Street, N.W., Suite 780, Washington, DC 20036, or fax it to 202-463-2461, or email it to information@plt.org.  We’ll match you with another educator.  Please allow at least four weeks for a match.

Once you get your exchange partner, tell your students they are going to exchange “forests” with students in another region.  Tell your students that it’s their responsibility to prepare items for the box that will teach your exchange partners about your local forest, or forests and trees in your state.  For example, students could include information such as tree species and size, topography, soil type, plant and animal life, endangered or threatened species, shrub density, ground cover, tree products, forest use and management, and local forest issues.  You might consider seeking help from local Tree Farmers, county or state foresters, conservation district foresters, or U.S. Forest Service personnel.

Safety note! 
Many states have laws regulating the types of plant and animal materials that can cross their borders.  Be sure to check with the state or county department of agriculture, or a local office of the agricultural extension service, to find out about restrictions in your exchange partner’s state before you send any plant or animal materials.

When the box arrives from your exchange group, open it with your students and examine its contents! 

For more detailed information about conducting this activity, including technology connections, reading connections, and ideas for enrichment, check out the activity online.

Complete a survey
The American Forest Foundation (AFF), the national sponsor of PLT, will be playing a lead role in raising awareness of the value and public benefits of America's forests as a part of this exciting year long program to celebrate 2011 “Year of Forests.”

We're inviting everyone in our networks - educators, parents, children, woodland owners, tree farmers, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts - to join with us in raising awareness of the value of America's woodlands and our vital mission to ensure healthy forests for current and future generations.

Please take a minute to complete a survey, posted on the homepage of AFF’s website, www.forestfoundation.org, and tell us what you would like to do to participate as we plan events to celebrate 2011 “Year of Forests.”

Thanks, and stay tuned for more information in the coming months!