Educators

(Pre K, TK & Kindergarten) Smokey Bear Storytime

Young learners have the opportunity to meet Smokey Bear, read a story with Six Rivers National Forest staff, and discover simple fire safety knowledge and suppression techniques they can use. They will also learn a fun dance with Smokey and explore a real Forest Service engine!

(Early Elementary) The Charcoal Forest

Fire is a normal occurrence in our forests. But what happens to plants and animals in the forest when fire occurs? Students will explore the basic relationship between species diversity and ecosystem changes in response to fire. We’ll investigate how the Forest Service manages for biodiversity in response to fire and play a game to help us better understand the dynamic and interrelated system.  

(Upper Elementary) Living With Wildfire 

Fire is the resulting reaction from three naturally occurring elements. Learners will explore how the “fire triangle” can be used to understand wildland fires and the difference between beneficial fire and catastrophic fire. Working together they will consider the balance between forest health and community safety as more development near forests increases fire risks. 

(Middle School & High School) Who Works in Wildland Fire? 

Have you ever considered the various roles that collaborate to sustain forest health and ensure community safety from wildfires?  Students soon entering the wildfire workforce will discover diverse career paths suited to their interests. They will experience the roles and teamwork involved in addressing the challenges and management goals of fire management.

(All Ages) Wildfire Awareness & Prevention Assembly

In this engaging program for a diverse age range group, students will connect with Six Rivers National Forest staff to explore critical off-season discussions on wildfire prevention before summer’s warm, hot, and dry days. They will learn about the benefits of fire, Forest Service management practices, and hear from Smokey Bear on how to help prevent irresponsible human-caused fires. 

Birds & Bugs

Many animals "color-coordinate" with their surroundings, and depending on where they live, those colors can vary dramatically. However, camouflage is an essential survival strategy for animals in the forest. Students will participate in a modeling activity where they pretend to be birds and explore how our local animals' coloration affects their ability to survive.

Trees as Habitats

Did you know that forests are home to 80% of all land-based plant and animal species? The trees of the forest play a vital role in housing many species. Even snags, standing dead trees, provide optimal habitat for many different species. Leafy branches and tangled roots provide habitat for a host of plants and animals. In this hands-on experience, students work together to inventory living things and consider the interrelationship between the different organisms that depend on trees. 

Incredible Invertebrates

A Botanical Crossroads

Mapping the Landscape

While the forest landscape may seem to be a random assortment of plants, evidence of wildlife, and geographic features, these elements actually occur in patterns shaped by various factors. By practicing map reading and creation, learners hone complex skills that enhance their understanding of cause, effect, pattern, and change. In this activity, participants of all ages will collaborate and work independently to practice mapping different-sized locations, even with the most basic understanding of scale. By harnessing the tools of symbols, keys, landmarks, and orientation, students will build a framework for future exploration. 

Camping 101

Leave No Trave

Balancing Multiple Uses

We Live in a Watershed

Be River Smart: Water Safety

Water-based activities are an essential part of enjoying public lands such as the Six Rivers National Forest. While there are numerous ways to enjoy the water, it's equally important to remember the safety measures necessary to keep ourselves safe. This program features activities designed to educate young learners about fundamental safety guidelines and encourage sound decision-making through interactive experiences and role-playing. Participants will gain insight into how to safely enjoy water play and learn how to respond effectively in the event of an accident. 

Evergreen Sensory Explorers

Conifer varieties abound in our local forests, making them easy to overlook. In this activity, students will build a routine to explore and connect with our local conifer species up close. They will have opportunities to learn the basics of using a hand lens alongside other observational tools, then express their findings through artistic creations. This engaging experience can help students move beyond seeing nature as a green blur and build a sense of curiosity in the natural world. 

Through the Viewfinder

Poet-Tree

Do you have a favorite tree in your neighborhood? Is there a special place in the forest you like to visit? Writing and sharing poems allows students to express their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in creative and artistic ways. In this thoughtful activity, we explore both trees and other parts of the environment by utilizing specific forms of poetry to help students structure abstract ideas and their environmental perspectives. 

Illustrating a Forest Almanac

Discover Nature Journaling

Nature journaling serves as a powerful means to spark observation and curiosity in learners about their surroundings. Journals are utilized by scientists, naturalists, writers, and engineers, highlighting transferable practices and learning habits students can adopt to enhance their success across various academic disciplines. Much of our understanding of nature's workings stems from observations recorded in journals over time. For this program, Six Rivers staff will coordinate an appropriate activity for your age group that will ease the pressure for learners to create flawless art. Instead, the focus will be on making observations and exploring key interdisciplinary science concepts such as pattern recognition, cause and effect, structure and function, and systems dynamics. 

Every Tree For Itself

What do trees need to grow? Forest managers employ various strategies to ensure trees thrive in our forests. This engaging activity explores the conditions essential for tree growth, highlighting their competition for resources and occasional cooperation. Additionally, fourth graders will receive a free pass granting them and their families access to federal public lands until students begin fifth grade begins in August.