4 minute read
Into The Woods
Submitted Photo
The school district’s own school forest is educating students INTO THE WOODS
he beginning of fifth grade brings big changes for Brainerd area students — a brand new school, many new classmates and a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. Each school year, Forestview Middle School fifthgraders — somewhere around 500 students — have the chance to depart from the normal classroom routine to venture into 60-acre Dean Makey School Forest that neighbors the campus. Forestry Day allows the students to spend a half day in nature’s classroom exploring, learning and practicing environmental stewardship as they help with everything from tree planting to brush removal. BY SARAH NELSON KATZENBERGER
Photos By Joey Halvorson T
10% Discount offered to Fire, Police, EMS & Military personnel!
“Every fifth grader has the opportunity to go — it really is a day they never forget,” said fifth grade science specialist Robin Knutson.
Forestry Day is a community effort with the help of Central Lakes College Natural Resource Program students who assist with teaching the middle school groups. Knutson said CLC students spend a few days in the forest for a bit of a “crash course” in teaching before they work with their eager young forestry students. Knutson said the benefit of young students learning from college-aged teachers is a valuable piece of the Forestry program and makes a positive impact on the students.
“It has been a really great partnership,” Knutson said.
Fifth graders learn about soil and water conservation and how it relates to forest conservation, the value of the wetland inside the forest, as well as how wood products help curb pollution by providing a natural alternative to many plastic products. “They will use this forest for years to come,” said Dean Makey. “This provides a great understanding and appreciation of what the forest provides for these kids.”
Makey sees Forestry Day as an orientation to the school forest and a great way to teach students on the value of Minnesota’s forests both for community use and as an important part of Minnesota commerce. “Forestry is really important — that’s why we have school forests,” Makey said. “It creates an awareness of resources that are easy to take advantage of otherwise.”
Makey is a lifelong forestry enthusiast, retired conservation officer and the namesake of the forest at Forestview. Retired since 2013, Makey devotes a great deal of his time working with students and teachers on work projects in the forest. For Forestry Day 2019, Makey helped direct 513 fifth graders in building tree shelters and brushcutting.
GOWARRIORS! The local favorite, CTC is proud to support Brainerd Warrior sports. ORS!
CTC delivers world-class technology to our community and beyond, because you deserve the very best. • Internet • TV • Phone • Business Get Connected Today!
(800) 735-9104 | (218) 454-1234 goctc.com |
“Fall is actually a very busy time in the forest,” said Makey, noting that for many fifth graders, Forestry Day is not their first time in the forest. Since 2011, Brainerd Public School kindergarteners from all six elementary schools have planted a class tree in the forest. “It’s really neat for the kids to come back as fifth graders and find the trees they planted as saplings now growing into big strong trees,” said Makey.
360 student groups visited the forest in 2019.
Brainerd third graders also visit the forest for a science unit on tree identification. Makey said in 2019, the forest welcomed visits from 360 student groups throughout the year. “Our school forest is one of the most used in the state,” said seventh grade science specialist Chris Hanson. “We are really proud of what we have here.” Retired DNR Forester, Dean Makey volunteers at Forestview to help educate students visiting the forest.
In addition to teaching Earth Science at Forestview, Hanson coaches cross-country running in the fall and Nordic skiing in the winter. Hanson said the forest serves as a training ground to many Brainerd student athletes at all grade-levels as well as active community members. With miles of trails for walking, running, skiing and snowshoeing, the forest is rarely completely quiet.
“As a coach and a science teacher, I’m a big proponent of what the forest offers for both educational and physical health,” Hanson said. “It’s a safe place on-site — there’s a lot of kids using the (trails) after school. But it’s also a shared source for the community to use.” There are 135 school forests throughout Minnesota varying in size from one acre to more than 300 acres. Some schools have forests nearby or access within a few miles, but few have an actual forest view from their classrooms.
“Ours is a great size,” Hanson said. “We’re pretty fortunate to have access right out our backdoor.”
For more information about the Dean Makey School Forest at Forestview, visit https://sites. google.com/isd181.org/deanmakeyschoolforest/ home .
Ernie’s & Main Street Ale House are proud supporters of The Brainerd Warriors!
