WASHINGTON, D.C.—Join colleagues and partners Feb. 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for the second annual NICE Golden Pinecone Awards Ceremony. The Golden Pinecone Awards honor the incredible work of Forest Service staff and partners to engage the public in our mission through public-facing communications and outreach events. The ceremony honors efforts recorded in the Naturewatch, Interpretation, and Conservation Education database application during fiscal year 2023. Categories for the awards range from honoring notable reporters and successful use of Forest Service symbols to recognizing innovative public engagement around other Forest Service priorities!.

Here are a few highlights from FY23 NICE accomplishments: 

In Washington, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest staff partnered with Outdoor Asian, The Bronze Chapter, African Community Housing and Development, and International Rescue Committee for an interpretive snowshoe hike. This engaging event gave participants the opportunity to learn about winter ecology and watersheds while fostering human-connections to their public lands.

In Alaska, staff of the Chugach National Forest held the Prince William Sound Teachers Expedition in partnership with Alaska Geographic and the PWS Regional Citizens Advisory Council. This six-day professional development workshop occurs at a remote basecamp in the Prince William Sound and awards participants with three 500-level credits from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

In Arizona, Mogollon Rim Ranger District staff worked with local volunteers who put in a total of 310 hours on their Off Highway Vehicle Ambassador and Education Program. The program educated over 3,000 people on Leave No Trace ethics, state OHV Laws, fire and forest information, resource protection and more. The district recreation staff plan to continue this program into 2024, building on their successes and learning from this pilot program.

In Wyoming, Blackrock Ranger Station staff held their sixth annual Blackrock Field Camp, a two-day outdoor education program for fourth- and fifth-grade students from the Wind River Reservation; Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone nations. This year’s Blackrock Field Camp hosted approximately 250 Indigenous youth and 70 adults, including teachers, parents, tribal elders, bus drivers and course instructors for an immersive outdoor education experience at the historic Blackrock Ranger Station.

These are just a few examples of the many successful projects and events accomplished across the agency in collaboration with many partners. We hope you will join us at the Golden Pinecone Awards to honor the creative, effective and wonderful work done this fiscal year 2023.

To receive the Teams invite, or for additional questions, please email Melissa Taggart.