Forest study gives teachers opportunities statewide

ORONO – Maine, with nearly 90 percent forest cover, ranks No. 1 in the U.S. That is a good reason for teachers to join other Maine educators who are learning how to establish a Forest Inventory Growth plot with their students at a nearby forest with a professional forester as a partner, according to Pat Maloney, Project Learning Tree coordinator for the state.

The interdisciplinary high school and middle school training, presented by experienced teachers, foresters and University of Maine Forestry professors, includes history, use of measurement tools and access to an interactive Web site.

Once a plot is set up, students will collect, store and compare forest ecology data with other participating Maine schools.

Training will take place Aug. 14-16 at the Schoodic Education and Research Center on Frenchmen’s Bay. Registration and the $50 fee are due July 18. Other expenses for the professional development opportunity will be paid for with a grant from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, which covers meals, overnights at the Schoodic Center and a kit with the tools and resource materials necessary to set up local forest growth plots.

The three-day training and curriculum is aligned with Maine Learning Results and National Standards, and an LAD assessment will be introduced that can be used with this project.

Registration is limited to Maine high school and middle school teachers. Call Pat Maloney at 626-7990 for further details or send registration and a $50 check to: Maine Project Learning Tree; P.O. Box 344; Augusta, ME 04332, with FIG TRAINING noted on the check. More information may be obtained by e-mailing meplt@gwi.net or visiting the Project Learning Tree at www.mainetreefoundation.org.