Other Resources
Edu-Tech Education Technology
The newest initiative to reach K-12 schools is through the use of EduTech Education Technology. PLT activities and forestry programs are delivered over the Interactive Video Network (IVN). The North Dakota Forest Service IVN programs were recognized as the second place recipient of the 2008-09 Annual North Dakota Teacher Favorite Awards. It is awarded to educators for their exceptional leadership in providing education outreach through videoconferencing. See the link below to the EduTech courses being offered this school year. www.edutech.nodak.edu
Teacher Center Network Advisory Board
The I&E Coordinator is on the Advisory Board of the Teacher Center Network (NDTCN). The NDTCN is an education link between educators, schools, higher education, state and national educational support agencies and communities, which enhances the quality of teaching and learning throughout North Dakota. It exists to serve the teachers, administrators and students of our state by seeking better ways to meet their educational needs.
Coalition for Conservation and Environmental Education - C2E2
C2E2 is a non-profit natural resource organization made up of over sixty agencies, organizations and individuals with a mission to develop a public that is knowledgeable, committed and motivated to take a balanced, active approach for a quality environment. A strategic plan is guiding the efforts of the Coalition, and its helping the North Dakota Forest Service reach a statewide audience with our forestry messages. The Coalition has had many successes because of their efforts to eliminate duplication of services, and focus on cooperation and collaboration, rather than competition. Together, the Coalition members have had tremendous success. Check out all their accomplishments at: Coalition for Conservation and Environmental Education (C2E2), The Information and Education Coordinator is serving as the current sescretary/treasurer for the 2013 year.
The Coalition initiated a problem-solving, natural resource competition for high school students called the Envirothon.
The Envirothon is a year-long program. Schools receive resource materials in the fall and study the state's natural resources, which includes soils, forestry, wildlife, water and a current environmental issue throughout the year. The ND Forest Service is the sponsor of the forestry segment. Schools and clubs can participate in the regional Envirothon competitions, where applicable (the state has five regions) and the top five teams from each region participate in the State Envirothon held each May.
The Envirothon began in North Dakota in 2000 with 4 teams and in 2013 almost 90 teams from about 35 schools are participating in the Envirothon. There is a free 15-minute DVD (video) you can obtain to learn more about the Envirothon. Contact Diane Olson, ND Envirothon Coordinator at (701) 845-1674 or diane.olson41@gmail.com.
Tree Trading Cards of ND
The North Dakota Forest Service provides a set of free Tree Trading Cards to everyone who participates in their teacher workshops or other technical training sessions. The 25 card set (like baseball trading cards) includes the native and most common found trees in North Dakota. The front has a colored photo of the mature tree and an insert of a leaf. The back has scientific information and uses of the tree. They can be purchased for $1/set. The proceeds go to the Coalition for Conservation and Environmental Education, the non-profit natural resource organization to help with their educational outreach activities. To obtain a set go to the C2E2 web site above or contact the I&E Coordinator at Glenda.Fauske@ndsu.edu or call (701) 228-5446.
Keep North Dakota Clean
The Information and Education Program is involved in numerous partnerships to deliver our forestry messages. The Smokey Bear Poster Contest and Arbor Day Poster Contest are part of a large, statewide poster contest run by Keep North Dakota Clean (KNDC) Incorporated.
The poster contest covers grades 1-8 and special needs. One or more sponsoring agencies or organizations sponsor a grade. Each organization selects a theme and selects three state winners. The winners receive an Olympic medallion at an awards ceremony followed by a luncheon. The first place winners in each grade are made into billboards and placed along major transportation routes near the winners' homes.
Over 8,000 students in grades 1-8 annually take part in the KNDC poster contest. KNDC is North Dakota's largest and longest running poster contest in the state. KNDC celebrates its 45th year in 2013!
In 2011, a special digital media project contest was added for high school students!
The NDFS I&E Coordinator serves as the co-chair of the statewide KNDC Poster Contest along with Pam Wenger, ND Department of Transportation.
Arbor Day Poster Contest - 5th Graders
The North Dakota Forest Service sponsors the fifth grade. The theme changes each year. The 2013 theme is "Trees are Terrific...in cities and towns!" To get the 2013 promotional flyer with all the rules and regulations, clink 2013 KNDC Promotional Flyer
Smokey Bear Poster Contest
The North Dakota Forest Service Fire Management Program, along with the ND State Garden Clubs, sponsors the second grade and promotes the Smokey Bear Poster Contest each year. See the 2013 KNDC Promotional Flyer.
Lewis and Clark Cottonwood Education Materials
During the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, the North Dakota Forest Service engaged in many educational opportunities that would bring awareness and knowledge about the native cottonwoods in the state. One of the efforts was an educational booklet about cottonwoods, their use by the Native Americans and early American explorers, like Lewis and Clark. The free educational booklet also includes some hands-on activities. Please feel print off your own free pdf copy here and enjoy! . Lewis and Clark Cottonwoods.
Spirit Woods CD
Stories and Songs about Trees and Forests
During the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, the North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota Council on the Arts created a Spirit Woods enhanced CD. It includes stories and songs about trees and forests from the cultures in North Dakota. When you open it up on the computer, you get scientific information and photos about the trees in the stories, as well as cultural connections! Copies of the CD can be purchased. Click on this link for more detailed information on the Spirit Woods CD.
