Educators

Finding fun and engaging things to do outdoors is easy. Exploring the natural world can be done almost anywhere, in national forests and state parks to city parks and your own backyard. Can't venture outdoors? There's many ways of bringing the wonders of nature indoors. The Shawnee National Forest offers everything from classroom programs to guided fieldtrips to engage people of all ages in learning and exploring the natural world.

Local Resources

School Programs - There are a variety of topics that we offer surrounding natural and cultural resources; everything from wildlife, forestry and habitats to cultural heritage, wilderness and careers with the Forest Service. Please contact us at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to when you'd like to schedule a school program. Email the Forest Information Desk or call one of our offices.

Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl Program - These beloved characters are a great way to bring across the message of outdoor safety, wildfire prevention and environmental ethics. To arrange a Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl program please contact us by email or phone one of our offices.

Fieldtrips to Shawnee National Forest- Enhance your groups visit to the Shawnee National Forest with a guided fieldtrip. Please contact one of the coordinators listed below at least 6 weeks ahead of your trip to discuss potential dates and locations that are suitable for group visits. (Guided fieldtrips are contigent upon availability of personnel).

IDNR Educational trunks available for loan from the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District. Call 618-833-8576 for more information or to reserve a kit.

Project EduBat - This trunk includes curricula that meet national educational requirements for students in elementary grades through high school. It includes bat skeletons and skulls, books, videos, brochures and materials to create a bat mural and other fun craft activities. A Project Edubat trunk is available at the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District office located at 521 N Main Street, Jonesboro, Illinois. Contact 618-833-8576, Extension 109 or linda.hauser@usda.gov for more information or to reserve a trunk. The trunk is free and can be checked out for 2 weeks.

Natural Inquirer Website offers a vareity of science education resources for K - 12th grade. At Natural Inquirer you'll find everything from free printed materials for students, ready to use learning modules and lesson plans, activities, and online virtual learning opportunities. Sign up for the educator newsletter and volunteer your classroom for a learning experience. Help your students learn and dive into nature in a whole new way!

Outdoor Safety & Ethics

Getting into the great outdoors to enjoy your national forest is a lot of fun. Before venturing outdoors be sure to visit the Outdoor Safety & Ethics Page for tips on how to prepare for a safe and enjoyable visit. Enjoying nature also means taking care of it. Be sure to learn and practice the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.