Forestry and Environmental Outreach Program

All About the Academy

Mountain Academy
Sample Schedule, Location and Lodging

Piedmont Academy
[Being Developed]

Coastal Academy
Sample Schedule, Location and Lodging

2008 Tour Brochure
[PDF form requiring Adobe Acrobat]

Requesting Consideration
Click here to use the on-line application form.

Photo Albums
2006 Coastal
2006 Mountains
2007 Coastal
2007 Mountains

Teachers' Comments

2008 Sustainable Forestry Teachers' Academy

June 16 - 20, 2008 - Mountain Academy in Asheville, NC
July 14 - 18, 2008 - Coastal Academy in New Bern, NC

About the Academy The Sustainable Forestry Teachers’ Academy is a four-day residential program, that focuses on the social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainable forestry. The first afternoon includes hands-on activities introducing teachers to forestry concepts and a short orientation to the Academy. Orientation is followed by a gourmet dinner and a presentation about local history. Over the next three days, 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 various types of ownership and management plans. Excursions to museums, state forests, experimental forests, and environmental learning centers round out the experience. The last day of the of the Academy is spent in round table discussions reviewing what was learned and how the information and resources can be used in the classroom. Evaluations of the experience are also completed.	Participants should expect a fast-paced week, with extended moderate walking, great food, networking, and lots of fun. In addition, extensive materials and discussions prepare participants to transfer what they have learned back to the classroom. CEU renewal credits will be rewarded.
	History of the Academy The North Carolina Teachers' Academy was initiated in 2001 by the Temperate Forest Foundation, with assistance from state agencies. The first few years of the tour were based in Asheville. In 2004, a second tour based in New Bern was added to expose teachers to forestry in the coastal plain of North Carolina. Additions and refinements to the weekly agendas and educational content have resulted in a name change for 2007 from "Tour" to Academy." To date, over 225 teachers have participated in the program.
Sponsors and Hosts The academies are sponsored and organized by the North Carolina Forestry Association, NC State University's Forestry & Environmental Outreach Program, and the NC Division of Forest Resources. Private forest companies, the USDA Forest Service and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service play key roles in providing tour opportunities and instructional content.
	How Teachers Can Participate A simple application process is required of teachers wishing to participate in an Academy. All North Carolina educators are encouraged to apply. Acceptance will be dependent upon responses to application essay questions, and preference will be given to full-time classroom educators for grades K to 12, with teachers of environmental studies and sciences given first priority. Multiple teachers from the same school are encouraged to apply. Click here to access the on-line Request for Consideration (application) form for the 2008 Academies.
Fees and Expenses Tuition, lodging, all meals, admission fees (including The Biltmore Estate or Tryon Palace), and transportation while at the Academy are fully funded by grants and local businesses. There is no application fee. Selected participants are required to submit a deposit of $100 to hold their spot in the Academy. The deposit will be returned upon arrival.
	For More Information, contact: Susan Moore or Jennifer Grantham: Jennifer Grantham North Carolina Forestry Association 919-834-3943 x30 jgrantham@ncforestry.org Susan Moore Forestry & Environmental Outreach Program NC State University 919-515-3184 susan_moore@ncsu.edu