State forests nature’s classroom
From the Winter 2007 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Forests NSW education officer, Gerard Nolan, has some words of advice for teachers – if you are looking for an outdoor classroom, there’s none better than a State forest.
Gerard said that students from primary through to high school and even tertiary level can benefit from an organised visit to a State forest, with Cumberland State Forest (Sydney) and Strickland State Forest (Gosford) key destinations.
“We can assist teachers in delivering programs at these sites,” Gerard said. “Areas of study such as local ecosystems (biology), introduced species (earth and environmental science) or biophysical interactions (geography) can all be accommodated.
“While the demand has traditionally come from the primary sector, we can also readily accommodate senior students at these two forests.
“Our senior programs incorporate an examination of critical forest management issues, particularly focusing on sustainable timber production.”
Gerard suggests that teachers with a keen interest in environmental management issues should attend one of Forests NSW free teacher tours.
For more information on the tours or to book an excursion, email gerardg@sf.nsw.gov.au or contact Ph: (02) 9872 0122. Free resources and education information also on-line at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/education/ schools
Communications, Maitland
