WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Feb. 25, Forest Service partnered with the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts on the fun and exciting Forest Youth Day.

Visitors enjoyed forestry related crafts, received educational giveaways and were able to write more than 250 personal postcards to a forest, each of which will be delivered to one of our experimental forests. As part of the center’s REACH to FOREST international festival, children and families experienced our world’s natural resources and America’s natural wonders through the lens of art.

Highlights included:

• Two Forest Service scientists discussing the Moon Trees project and how Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest uses environmental sensors to turn data from the water cycle into art you can see and hear! 

• Free copies of the book Encuentra tu Bosque. The book was produced in English and Spanish by Encantos in partnership with Conservation Education and provides educational content and engagement around forest ecology, stewardship, and traditional Indigenous knowledge.

• Appearances by Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear, who shared their conservation and fire prevention education messages.

Through REACH to FOREST, the Kennedy Center is highlighting the value of nature and communities in conservation and the role that conservation education plays in educating future generations about the stewardship of natural resources. In addition to a focus on trees and forests, the event discusses the wildlife and Indigenous peoples who live there.

The Kennedy Center will continue to have Forest Service materials, including the Natural Inquirer World Forests Edition, on display for visitors to take home throughout the two-week event.