Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN): Educating Bibb County’s Youth on Conservation and Environmental Stewardship
By Savannah Logan
The 2024 Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN) event, held on October 9 at Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park, continued its mission of fostering environmental awareness among Bibb County’s 5th and 6th graders. This annual event is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Alabama Extension, bringing together local schools and various organizations to provide students with hands-on learning experiences centered around forestry, conservation, and outdoor safety.
FAWN 2024 featured 16 engaging educational stations, with the goal of inspiring a sense of responsibility and stewardship for Alabama’s natural resources. The event was attended by students from Bibb County schools, including West Blocton Middle School, Centreville Middle School, Randolph Elementary School, and Cahawba Christian Academy. FAWN has grown into a hallmark event for environmental education, thanks to the support of organizations like the Bibb County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Bibb County Natural Resource Council, and numerous volunteers.
Michelle Giddens, the Bibb County Extension Coordinator, oversaw the event, ensuring that the students had a diverse and enriching educational experience. Volunteers and professionals from agencies such as the US Forest Service, the Alabama Forestry Commission, and the Brierfield Fire and Rescue were integral to FAWN’s success, providing expert knowledge across a variety of topics.
The FAWN stations were designed to cater to the interests of both 5th and 6th-grade students, with separate sessions for each group. The 5th-grade stations and 6th-grade stations each offered a deep dive into specific areas of forestry, conservation, and outdoor safety.
At the Bibb County FAWN event, 5th graders were introduced to a variety of interactive and educational stations that provided hands-on learning about nature, sustainability, and safety. One popular stop was “Nobody Lives Here” led by Lynn Dickinson, where students explored the importance of habitat preservation and protecting natural environments. At “Oh Deer!”, Marshall Colburn used the game Red Rover to teach students about deer populations and the critical role ethical hunting plays in maintaining ecological balance. Another station, “Rethink Your Drink” with Sherry Carter, delved into the environmental and personal impacts of sugary beverages, encouraging healthier and more sustainable choices.
Students were also captivated by “Biodiversity in Bibb”, where Brian Keener shared fascinating facts about Alabama’s incredible diversity of animal species, highlighting the state’s unique position as a leader in species variety. At “Farmer for a Day,” Sutton Gibbs provided a fun, hands-on experience by allowing students to “milk” a pretend cow, teaching them about the value of farm work. Meanwhile, Joan Rundle’s “Leaf and Tree ID” station offered students the chance to learn about local tree species and take educational materials home. Rick LeCroy’s “Hover Craft Rescue” and Jared Kornegay’s “Fire Fighting Tools” stations rounded out the day, with demonstrations on rescuing individuals using hovercrafts and the tools necessary for responsible fire management.
For the 6th graders, the event focused on practical survival skills and career exploration in conservation. At “First Aid in the Woods,” Jackson Chance taught vital first-aid techniques that could be used in wilderness emergencies. Dylan Taylor and Holly Hall led a fascinating session at the “Bugs” station, helping students differentiate between insects and arthropods and teaching them identification techniques. “Careers in Conservation” with Bobby Jackson provided students with insights into forestry and natural resource management as viable career paths.
Nikki Strain’s “Soil Profiles” station educated students on the importance of soil conservation and its essential role in supporting biodiversity, while Courtney McDaniel’s “Wildlife Conservation” station focused on protecting local wildlife. Finally, at “Hunter Safety,” Katie Burke and Brett Makemson emphasized the critical importance of safety and responsibility in hunting practices, ensuring students understood the importance of ethical hunting and conservation efforts.
These stations, designed to be both educational and engaging, gave students a deeper understanding of their natural surroundings and the ways in which they can contribute to environmental stewardship.
FAWN 2024 was more than just a day out of the classroom; it was an immersive learning experience that promoted active participation and environmental consciousness. Teachers and students alike expressed their enthusiasm for the event. Both students and teachers look forward to this event each year!
Forestry Awareness Week Now has proven to be a vital tool in shaping the environmental perspectives of Bibb County’s youth. Through its combination of expert instruction, interactive learning, and exposure to Alabama’s natural wonders, FAWN encourages students to become lifelong advocates for conservation and environmental stewardship. As this event continues to grow, its impact on the local community and the future of Alabama’s natural resources is sure to expand as well.
