Forestry and Environmental Outreach Program

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 280 teachers have participated in the program.

Organizers and Sponsors

The academies are organized by the North Carolina Forestry Association, NC State University's Forestry & Environmental Outreach Program, and NC Project Learning Tree. Sponsors for 2010 include the NC Division of Forest Resources Urban and Community Grant Program, the Forest Education and Conservation Foundation, and the NC Sustainable Forestry Initiative State Implementation Committee.

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. We are sorry, at this time we cannot accept teachers from outside of North Carolina, but your state may have a similar program. Multiple teachers from the same school are encouraged to apply.

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:
Jennifer Grantham or Renee Strnad:

Jennifer Grantham
North Carolina Forestry Association
919-834-3943 x 4
jgrantham@ncforestry.org

Renee Strnad
Project Learning Tree State Coordinator
NC State University
919-515-5518
renee_strnad@ncsu.edu