11th Annual Event Introduces Students to Forestry, Conservation and Natural Resource Careers
Forestry Fair Connects Hundreds of Students to Nature, Conservation and Career Pathways
More than 300 students from local summer camps gathered at Alabama A&M University on Wednesday for the 11th Annual Forestry Fair, a free educational event designed to introduce young people to forestry, conservation and careers in natural resources through interactive, hands-on experiences.
Hosted through a partnership among Alabama A&M University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters, the annual event transformed The Quad into an outdoor classroom where students explored the vital role forests play in everyday life and the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.
Participants rotated through exhibits and demonstrations led by forestry professionals, researchers, wildlife biologists and Alabama A&M faculty and students. Topics included wildlife ecology, hydrology, forest management, wildfire prevention and the history of conservation in the United States.
Students learn how prescribed fire helps maintain healthy forests and reduce wildfire risks.
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.
“We hope students leave with a greater appreciation for forests and an awareness of the many opportunities available in natural resource careers,” said USDA Forest Service National Student Programs manager and Forestry Fair event director.
Exhibits featured 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 demonstration showed how prescribed fire is used to maintain healthy forests, improve wildlife habitat and reduce the risk of destructive wildfires.
Jeremy Whigham helps a student participate in a demonstration showing how quickly wildfires can spread.
Dr. William Stone, professor in Alabama A&M’s Forestry, Ecology and Wildlife Program, led an exhibit examining the connection between water resources, wildlife habitats and forest ecosystems. Wildlife biologist Allison Cochran of the USDA Forest Service engaged students with animal specimens and educational displays that highlighted biodiversity and wildlife management.
Students also learned about the historic contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers through a living history presentation by Trooper Derrick Davis of the Buffalo Soldiers Greater Atlanta Chapter, 10th Cavalry. The presentation highlighted the soldiers’ legacy as some of the nation’s first park rangers, wildland firefighters and stewards of public lands.
Throughout the event, students participated in educational games and activities, posed for photos and received prizes while learning about wildfire prevention and environmental stewardship.
A student examines wildlife specimens during the Forestry Fair.
Alabama A&M students played a key role in the fair's success. USDA 1890 National Scholars, Thurgood Marshall College Fund interns and summer forestry research apprentices from the Department of Forestry, Ecology and Wildlife served as guides and presentation assistants, helping younger students navigate the exhibits and activities.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this event is helping young people see that forests are more than places to visit — they are places where they can build careers, conduct research and make a difference,” said Stone. “We want them to know they can enjoy forests, work in them and help protect them. For me, it’s a chance to influence the next generation of forestry professionals.”
By connecting students with forestry professionals, researchers and hands-on learning experiences, the Forestry Fair continues to inspire curiosity, environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation for the critical role forests play in everyday life.