Hightower Educational Forest - Programs
Our programs are divided into six different subject
areas. They include: Forest Growth, Forest Management, Ecology,
Forest Health, Utilization, and Miscellaneous. We also maintain
a video library which covers topics on fire, the Southern forest,
pollution, wood-use, and careers.
Forest Growth
1) Dendrology - Tree Identification Suggested grade level: Second - Adult
Students will learn some of the common tree species in
Georgia. A dichotomous key will be introduced and used, and
students will be given an opportunity to practice identifying
trees.
2) How a Tree Grows Suggested grade level: Second - Eighth
Students learn about the different parts of a tree and
investigate the environmental factors that affect tree growth.
Students learn how forestry tools are used to determine the age of a tree and predict environmental factors
that may influence its growth.
3) Natural Succession Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Adult
Students will learn how land is naturally revegetated
in the Georgia Piedmont and Appalachian Mountains. They will also
learn how forests are managed within the "natural cycle" of succession.
Forest Management
1) Tree Measurements Suggested grade level: Fourth - Adult
Students have the opportunity to learn how to measure a single
tree and estimate the amount of lumber that can be cut from the
tree. Practical application of mathematical equations will be
stessed.
2) Forest For the Trees Suggested grade level: Fourth - Eighth
Students will role-play the management
of a tree farm. They will learn some of the methods landowners
use in forest management.
Ecology
1) Composting Suggested grade level: Fourth - Adult
Students will learn the importance of composting, how to
do it and how it can make a difference in
reducing waste.
2) Decomposition Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Eighth
Students will study the process of decomposition and its
importance in the forest. They will explore a rotting log
and identify some of the organisms found there.
3) Soil Investigations Suggested grade level: Third - Adult
Students will study the importance of soils on productivity.
Experiments showing sedimentation, water-holding capacity, and
erosion will be conducted.
4) Stream Study Suggested grade level: Third - Adult
A stream at the Forest is
enrolled in the Georgia Adopt-a-Stream program. Students will
learn how monitoring the stream visually, chemically, and biologically,
helps determine water quality. The procedure for monitoring is
presented with opportunity for students to contribute to data
reported to the State Office.
5) Threatened and Endangered Species Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Adult
Through an activity, students
will learn some of the pressures on species in Georgia. A slide
presentation will introduce students to threatened and endangered
species in Georgia and some of the efforts to protect them.
6) Watersheds Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Sixth
Students will study the movement of water as a cycle. The
cleansing action of forests is studied as well as the way water
quality is influenced by the condition of the forest.
7) Wetlands Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Adult
Students will learn about wetlands in Georgia: their
benefits and value. Threats to wetlands will be discussed as well
as the variety of life in the wetland.
8) Habitats: Field, Forest, and Pond Suggested grade level: Second - Sixth
This lesson takes students on an exploration of three different
types of habitats. They will go to each habitat and participate in
activities that will familiarize them with plants and animals present
in that habitat. Students will be able to compare and contrast life
in each of the three areas.
9) Wildlife in Georgia Suggested grade level: Third - Eighth
This class is generally taught by DNR (Department of Natural
Resources) personnel. The variety of wildlife found in Georgia is
emphasized as well as ways humans manage wildlife resources.
10) Predator/Prey Wildlife Games Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Adult
Students play games that demonstrate different ways wildlife interact in the environment. Some concepts covered are: how
animals use coloration to protect themselves, how different habitat
components are necessary for survival of animals, and how predators
and prey interact with one another.
Forest Health
1) Fire in the Forest Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Adult
Taught by rangers who routinely
manage fire, controlled and wild, this class teaches students
about the benefits and destructiveness of fire. Fire suppression
techniques and equipment are demonstrated.
2) Insects and Disease Suggested grade level: Fourth - Adult
Students will study insects and diseases that infest
forests and how they affect forest health.
3) Pollutions Affecting Forest Growth Suggested grade level: Fourth - Adult
Using pollution instruments
located at the Forest, students will learn some of the pollutants
that affect forests.
4) Smokey Bear: A Fire Prevention Message Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Second
Students will hear Smokey's message
that everyone can be responsible stewards of the forest.
Utilization
1) History of Wood Use Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Adult
The historical uses of wood in America are discussed.
Students will construct a small scale log cabin and will learn some
of the products made from trees.
2) Papermaking Suggested grade level: Third - Sixth
A hands-on experience to
provide students with knowledge and insight into how wood pulp
is made into paper. Students will make a sheet of paper.
Miscellaneous
1) Beauty in the Forest Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Adult
An appreciation of the aesthetics of the forest is cultivated through activities and experiences.
2) Bird Habitats - Make Your Own Birdhouse Suggested grade level: Third - Eighth
The requirements of birds are studied and students
will construct a bluebird house for their class. (1 per group)
3) Forestry Careers Suggested grade level: Eighth - Twelfth
A look at the forest industry as
a source of jobs and career opportunities.
4) Discovery Expedition Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Third
Students will search for natural
items from a list and a discussion will be conducted about what
was found.
5) Talking Tree Trail Suggested grade level: Kindergarden - Adult
Take a walking tour of a
forest, highlighted by talking stations which tell about a particular
species. Students will recognize some tree species native to this
area as well as products made from these trees.
6) Orienteering Suggested grade level: Fourth - Adult
Students will be introduced to the
use of a compass and measuring distances using pacing. These skills
will be used to measure an area of land and determine the acreage
with the use of a computer.
