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Teacher Comments
"This is my third trip in ten years to take a class-each time it gets better!"
"Very impressed with the array of people involved."
“It’s a great field trip and fits in well with our curriculum.”
What are Forest Conservation Days?
The trip itself is a 1/2 mile, 2-hour nature trail walk with a professional forest manager or resource specialist and 2 hours of interactive and dynamic exhibits of a steam donkey, sawmill, Youth Science Institute, tree nursery, forest products, fire fighting, logging equipment, and some new exhibits every year. Aimed at educating the urban public on various forestry and forest issues, this program has become immensely popular with over 1,700 5th grade students, 1,500+ public participants, and 150 + teachers and parents attending annually. On school days, students arrive at the site and a guide will lead each group of 10-20 students and chaperons through the trail, pointing out objects of interest, and answering any questions, thus providing an interactive view of the forest. On Saturday March 28, and Sunday March 29, the guided walks and exhibits will be open to the public. For further information on attending Forest Conservation Days please call the coordinator Thomas Catchpole at 559-855-2194 or Stewardship Helpline at 1-800-738-TREE. Additional information and a list of standards that apply to this event is also available.
How can I sign up a school,class or troop?
.Just fill out the sign up sheet and mail, fax, or E-mail to Diane Savin-Dukleth at (559) 841-3309 or fcdschool@netptc.net. Please fill out the form as fully as you can. The week typically becomes booked rather quickly with schools. A registration form is available for you to download For more information on signing up a boy scout or girl scout troop please use these links: Boy Scouts Girl Scouts.
How can I help?
Forest Conservation Days is dependant upon the dedication of its volunteers. Without them it would not be the success that it is. Because of the length of the program there is always a need for multiple-day commitments from Natural Resource professionals and students of all disciplines to assist in the hike in the woods, active interpretations at the exhibits and crowd management. If you are a student, the program is meant to coincide with Spring Break, so if you are traveling home and happen to live near Saratoga, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet Natural resource professionals and become involved in public education. Lunch is provided each day. There is FREE housing available at the local American Youth Hostel located on site at Sanborn Park. This is available only for those who are willing to help out and commitments are during the day only, leaving the nights so that one may view scenic Saratoga. A volunteer form is available for you to download. If you have any questions about volunteering your time, please contact either FCD coordinator: Thomas Catchpole, at 559-855-2194 treecookies@netptc.net, Weekend Public and Scout Coordinator: Tad Mason, tmason@tssconsultants.com, or Heather Morrison, Volunteer Coordinator at 1-800-738-TREE ncsaf@mcn.org and they will answer your questions.
Where is FCD held?
Located in Saratoga, this program provides urban 5th grade students with an opportunity to experience first-hand how our forests are managed. This award-winning program runs for approximately two weeks and seeks multiple day commitments from Foresters, Archaeologists, Geologists, Wildlife Biologists, Fire Management Professionals, Soil Scientists, and other natural resource professionals to assist in varied activities such as hiking in the woods, active interpretations at exhibits, and crowd management. Overnight accommodations (at no cost) are available for volunteers at the American Youth Hostel or the camp ground located on site at Sanborn Park. There is also barracks space available at a local CDF Station. Accommodations for attendees are available in local hotels. Interested? Email or contact the coordinator Thomas Catchpole at 559-855-2194 or email treecookies@netptc.net.
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