Teaching Forestry: Jackson County Fourth Graders Learn the Value of Trees

By: Shelia Mader

Talk to anyone who knows even a little about trees, and they’ll tell you that it’s never too early to start learning about them. No one believes that more than Jackson County’s own John Alter, a local expert often described as a walking encyclopedia on all things trees. Alter and Barry Stafford regularly visit schools to teach students how vital trees are to everyday life.

This past week, they were joined by several others who visited every fourth-grade classroom across the county to share lessons on forestry.

Reflecting on the experience, Alter said, “You can’t beat this fourth-grade group and their attention to what we are telling them. It is rewarding, and they were quiet and very attentive, did a great job of interacting.”

Because forestry isn’t as widely known a profession as engineering or medicine, many students have misconceptions about what it involves. The presenters agreed that teaching kids at the fourth-grade level helps them understand how proper forest management keeps forests healthy.

“It has to be managed properly,” one presenter explained. “If it’s not properly managed, it will deteriorate over time. We think it’s important to teach young people to be good stewards of the land and to make good decisions in the things that they do.”

The presenters also helped dispel the common belief that cutting down trees is always bad. Sometimes trees must be removed to give others room to grow or to stop the spread of disease. Students were surprised to learn that trees are used to make far more than paper — they also play a role in producing crayons and even cell phones.

Trees, the presenters explained, are essential not just for products but for clean air, wildlife habitats, and recreation. Whether hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the outdoors, people benefit from healthy forests every day.

Students also discovered that forestry offers a variety of career paths. From planting trees by hand or operating heavy machinery to financing farms and managing rural land, the field provides opportunities for many interests and skills.

“Maybe some of you will want to be in forestry and learn how to manage a piece of property,” one speaker said. “Or maybe you have a sibling who’s more of a trades-type student or career person. Or maybe they want to operate heavy equipment, all of those roles are needed.”

Throughout the week, classrooms were visited at Malone, Graceville School, Cottondale Elementary, Victory Christian School, Marianna K-8, Dayspring, and Sneads Elementary. Teachers and presenters alike agreed that the students’ curiosity was at an all-time high, especially when they learned how many food products come from trees.

Jackson County is fortunate to have groups like those behind Forestry in the Classroom, who take the time to share their expertise and inspire the next generation to appreciate and care for the natural world.