A Little Background on LEAF . . .
The Need
LEAF, the Wisconsin K-12 Forestry Education Program, was created to help promote forestry education in Wisconsin. In 2001, Wisconsin K-12 forestry education stakeholders met to discuss the current status of and the needs for Wisconsin-based K-12 forestry education. Although a variety of programs existed, voids were identified in delivery and dissemination of educational materials and services. To present a more unified effort, stakeholders supported the development of a comprehensive program that would cooperate with existing efforts.
During the spring of 2001, legislation was written to establish the LEAF Program as a partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-Division of Forestry and the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education at the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Funding for the program is provided through a surcharge on the sale of seedlings from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry nurseries.
LEAF Vision
LEAF envisions inspired and informed citizens actively engaged in sustaining healthy forests and communities.
LEAF Mission
LEAF’s mission is to advance excellence in K-12 forestry education through partnerships that develop, disseminate, implement, and evaluate relevant resources and services.
LEAF Goals
- Disseminate and develop exceptional and vision-driven curriculum materials and resources to educate students about Wisconsin’s forests
- Support, provide, and develop engaging and on-going professional development opportunities for teachers that increases their commitment and ability to teach about Wisconsin’s forests
- Advance outdoor learning opportunities for all students
- Advocate for K-12 forestry education funding
- Serve as the central source for forestry education resources and networking for K-12 audiences
- Build and strengthen partnerships with diverse forestry education stakeholders
- Facilitate the integration of forestry education into school curriculum
- Support and create projects and events to involve students in forestry related activities
- Evaluate the utilization and effectiveness of LEAF resources and services
- Empower and inspire staff to create a productive, supportive, and sustainable work environment
The LEAF Program operates under a set of guiding principles:
- Wisconsin's forests can be managed sustainably for economic, ecologic, and social benefits.
- By becoming informed and active participants in decision making processes, citizens can sustain forests.
- To develop informed and active citizens, forestry education should be infused in Wisconsin's K-12 schools.