Students will Explore Forestry, Conservation and Natural Resource Careers Through Hands-On Activities

Alabama A&M University and the U.S. Forest Service will welcome more than 200 students from local summer camps to campus June 17 for the 11th Annual Forestry Fair, a free educational event designed to introduce young people to forestry, conservation and careers in natural resources.

The Forestry Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on The Quad and is open to the public.

Hosted through a partnership among Alabama A&M University, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters, the annual event provides hands-on learning experiences that connect students with forestry professionals, researchers and college students working in the field.

Participants will rotate through interactive exhibits and demonstrations highlighting wildlife ecology, hydrology, forest management, wildfire prevention and the history of conservation in the United States. The event aims to show students how forests affect everyday life and how sustainable management helps protect natural resources for future generations.

The Forestry Fair is also recognized as a Forests250 event, part of a nationwide campaign aligned with the America250 commemoration. The initiative promotes forest stewardship, conservation education and community engagement while highlighting the importance of forests in supporting healthy ecosystems, natural resources and wildfire management.

“Forests not only produce products like wood and paper, but also many of the things we use on a daily basis, including rubber, toothpaste and deodorant,” said Stephanie Love, USDA Forest Service National Student Programs manager and Forestry Fair event director. “If we plant the seed of understanding the importance of natural resources in our daily lives when children are young, that seed can be cultivated, and perhaps they will one day pursue natural resource sciences as an academic path and potential career.”

Among the featured exhibits will be a wildland fire demonstration led by Jeremy Whigham, Alabama A&M Fire Chief and Forestry, Ecology and Wildlife Program instructor, and Alabama Forestry Commission Fire Operations Chief Balsie Butler. The exhibit will demonstrate how prescribed fire is used as a tool to maintain healthy forests and reduce wildfire risks.

Dr. William Stone, professor in Alabama A&M's Forestry, Ecology and Wildlife Program, will lead an exhibit exploring the relationship between water resources, wildlife habitats and forest ecosystems. Wildlife biologist Allison Cochran of the USDA Forest Service will present hands-on displays featuring animal specimens and educational materials designed to teach students about wildlife management and biodiversity.

A historical reenactment presented by Trooper Derrick Davis of the Buffalo Soldiers Greater Atlanta Chapter, 10th Cavalry, will highlight the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers as some of the nation's first park rangers, wildland firefighters and stewards of public lands.

Students will also have the opportunity to meet Smokey Bear, learn about wildfire prevention, participate in games and educational activities, take photos and receive prizes.

Alabama A&M students will play an active role throughout the event. USDA 1890 National Scholars, Thurgood Marshall College Fund interns and summer forestry research apprentices from the Department of Forestry, Ecology and Wildlife will serve as guides and presentation assistants.

Dr. Kozma Naka, professor and department coordinator for Alabama A&M's Forestry, Ecology and Wildlife Program, said the fair continues to provide a unique opportunity for young people to connect classroom learning with real-world careers while gaining a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Through engaging demonstrations and activities led by forestry professionals from Alabama A&M, the USDA Forest Service and the Buffalo Soldiers, organizers hope to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and natural resource professionals while emphasizing the vital role forests play in everyday life.