Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN) is a significant event in Alabama that aims to educate and inspire young minds about the importance of forestry, conservation, and outdoor safety practices, as well as the natural biodiversity throughout Bibb County and the state as a whole.
Coordinated and hosted by the Alabama Extension, FAWN invites all 5th and 6th-grade students from Bibb County to partake in a day filled with engaging activities and informative sessions. This year, the event took place at Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park on Wednesday, September 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Students from West Blocton Middle School, Centreville Middle School, and Randolph Elementary School enthusiastically attended. Looking ahead, the Extension plans to expand the event’s reach by including homeschooled children in the future.
Several local organizations, including the Bibb County Soil and Water Conservation District, Bibb County Natural Resource Council, Bibb County Extension, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), collaborated to make FAWN a reality. Their combined efforts have led to the creation of a fantastic learning opportunity for the youth of Bibb County.
Michelle Giddens, the Bibb County Extension Coordinator, played a pivotal role in organizing and overseeing the event. With her guidance and dedication, FAWN has become a hallmark of environmental education in the county.
One of the remarkable aspects of FAWN is the involvement of numerous volunteers and organizations. Sixteen learning stations were thoughtfully set up across Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park, each offering unique insights into various aspects of outdoor safety, natural resources, conservation, forestry management, wildlife, and career opportunities within these fields. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds, such as the US Forest Service, Alabama Forestry Commission, Fish and Wildlife, NRCS, Alabama Extension, Brierfield Fire and Rescue, the Bibb County Game Warden, and others, generously contributed their time, expertise, equipment, and resources to educate the eager young students.
To cater to the different interests and learning levels of 5th and 6th graders, the event divided the stations accordingly. Stations 1 through 8 were designated for 5th graders, while stations 9 through 16 were designed to engage 6th graders. Each station had a unique focus and provided valuable insights into the world of forestry, safety, biodiversity, and conservation.
Station 1, titled “Nobody Lives Here,” hosted by Lynn Dickinson, likely left a lasting impression on the students, emphasizing the importance of not only identifying, but preserving and protecting natural habitats. At Station 2, “Bugs” with Simon Carbone, students learned about the crucial role insects play in ecosystems and the need to conserve their habitats, as well as insect anatomy.
“Rethink Your Drink” at Station 3, facilitated by Sherry Carter, raised awareness about the impact of sugary beverages on health and the environment. Meanwhile, Station 4, “Biodiversity in Bibb” with Brian Keenor, revealed the astonishing animal diversity in Alabama, captivating students with fascinating facts about local wildlife.
Station 5, “Oh Deer!” with Marshall Colburn, engaged students with insights into deer populations and their ecological significance as well as the importance of ethical and legal hunting to maintain and regulate the deer population through a spin on the game “Red Rover.” Mallory Kelley, at Station 6, shared knowledge about leaves and tree identification, providing students with valuable tools to explore their local ecosystems.
Fire safety was a crucial topic covered at Station 7, “Fire Fighting Tools,” led by Joel Naron, emphasizing the importance of responsible fire management practices. Station 8, “Hover Craft Rescue” with Rick LeCroy, engaged students in a hands-on learning experience related to water and rescue operations.
For 6th graders, Station 9, “Prescribed Fire” with Ethan Barrett, delved into the controlled use of fire for land management and tree growth. Station 10, “Medicine in the Woods” by Jackson Chance, educated students about basic safety and first aid, including CPR and how to apply a tourniquet. At Station 11, “Careers” with Bobby Jackson and Larry Harris, students got a glimpse into the exciting career opportunities within the fields of forestry and conservation.
Station 12, led by Mia Craig and Carson Brady, focused on leaf and tree identification, similar to the knowledge gained by 5th graders at Station 6. Station 13, “Soil Profiles” by Nikki Strain, provided insights into the importance of soil conservation and its impact on the environment.
Station 14, “Wildlife Conservation” with Drew Tincher and Trent Robinson, encouraged students to appreciate and protect the rich biodiversity of their region. Station 15, “Drones” by Scott Hallman, introduced students to the innovative use of technology in conservation efforts. Finally, Station 16, “Hunter Safety” with Katie Brown and Brett Makemson, emphasized responsible hunting practices and safety measures.
Mallory Kelley’s contribution to the event extended beyond her station. Kelley, who works with the Alabama Extension in the horticulture department, offered the students materials they could take home to continue their learning. Having plenty of copies to pass around, Kelley brought with her a key to common native trees in Alabama. She also described and taught the students about various types of leaves and how to identify them so they could try it out at home, too. “This key has 69 of the most common native trees of Alabama,” Kelley explained. “So they can all take one home and try to identify for themselves trees in the forest.”
Mrs. Cottingham, a 5th grade teacher from Centreville Middle School, who is in her 36th year within the Bibb County school system, shared how much joy it brought her to see the land that her parents helped to acquire for Brierfield Park being used for a cause such as this – educating our youth of all the ways they can better their own lives as well as their community around them. “He just would have had no idea how his work would benefit the children of Bibb County,” she shared while she oversaw her students learning about Hover Craft Rescue from Rick Lecroy.
First year 5th grade teacher at West Blocton Middle School Chloe Robertson shared regarding the event: “I think the students really like it because it gives them the chance to be active participants with it, instead of just sitting there listening to it all. Being able to be hands on while learning during this event is one of the most important things – even just getting out of the classroom and being in a different environment can have such an impact on learning.”
On break at the Biodiversity in Bibb Station being taught by Brian Keenor, three 5th grade students from West Blocton Middle School shared some of their thoughts regarding the event: Abby Morris, Walker Leach, and Ryleigh Jayne Elam. When asked, they all readily agreed that they absolutely loved getting to participate in the event.
“This station has probably been my favorite,” Abby Morris said of the Biodiversity in Bibb station. “It was about how Alabama is the number one state in animal diversity. I liked it a bunch because it talked so much about animals – like how turtles are number one for diversity in Alabama,” she continued. “It’s all really fun.”
Walker agreed with Abby about the Biodiversity in Bibb station being his favorite as well – but for a slightly different reason, making his friends laugh. “They gave us food,” he joked as he munched on a bag of Cheez Its. When asked one thing he learned at that station or any other one, he said, “That we have a very biodiverse county and state.”
Station 3, “Re-Think Your Drink,” was Ryleigh Jayne’s favorite. “Knowing how much sugar is in one drink helps you choose better options, healthier ones,” she said. She explained how the demonstration at that station by Sherry Carter really opened her eyes to just how much sugar was in her favorite drinks, and now she might consider choosing healthier options.
Forestry Awareness Week Now was more than just a school outing; it was a comprehensive and enriching learning experience for both students and teachers. It fostered a sense of environmental stewardship among the youth of Bibb County, encouraging them to be active participants in conserving and protecting their local ecosystems. The collaboration of various organizations and volunteers ensured that FAWN achieved its primary goal of educating the county’s youth while providing a fun-filled day at one of Bibb County’s finest parks. As the event continues to grow and evolve, it promises to instill a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature in the next generation, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
