What does LEAF Stand for?
LEAF is Wisconsin’s K-12 Forestry Education Program. The name was developed and words were selected to create the acronym (it’s a reverse acronym!). Those words are: Learning, Experiences, & Activities in Forestry. We just use LEAF.
Where does LEAF funding come from?
LEAF is a partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Division of Forestry and the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education in the College of Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point. LEAF’s primary funding comes from the state Conservation Fund – Forestry Account. This funding is allocated by the State Legislature. UW-Stevens Point provides in kind support through office space, technology support, budget management and accounting, and other services. LEAF also receives other funding through grants, contracts, and program revenue.
Why does LEAF teach about forest management?
LEAF believes:
- Humans are dependent upon and connected to earth’s systems;
- Forests are life support systems for life on earth;
- WI forests can be managed sustainably for economic, ecologic and social benefits;
- Forestry education is integral to K-12 learning, across all grades and subjects areas;
- Healthy communities are dependent upon informed and engaged citizens.
Our education approach takes a holistic and comprehensive perspective in which forest management is included. We all use forest products. Students should understand the diverse values of Wisconsin’s forests so they can make informed decisions.
Can you identify a tree?
Maybe. We’re happy to respond to requests for tree identification. The more characteristics you can give us, the more likely we are to be able to help with identification. Key tree identification characteristics are: location in which the tree is growing (part of the world, urban/rural, wet or dry location); leaf shape, size, texture (clear pictures are really helpful), and whether it’s evergreen or deciduous; twig branching pattern (opposite, alternate, or whorled); and bark color and texture. If you can give us all or most of those characteristics, you have a pretty good shot at getting your tree identified.
Does your staff do on site visits?
Yes! We can visit your school to support your school forest and school grounds efforts, or to help plan for integrating forestry education into your curriculum. Just let us know how we can help, and we’ll be happy to arrange a site visit. Please note that there is a fee associated with some of our consultant work and professional development services.
What part of the state do you cover?
All of it. We hold professional development, support school forests and outdoor classrooms, and plan curriculum integration throughout the state.
How many people do you need to have a professional development offering?
We need to have a minimum of 8 people to hold a workshop, course, or in-service. The topic and content can be tailored to your school’s specific interests and needs. Contact us to make arrangements.
Does LEAF have a model school that showcases what extensive, integrated K-12 forestry education looks like?
We’re working on that. We have been working with the Goodman-Armstrong School District to fully integrate forestry education into the school. To learn more about these efforts, click here. If you’d like your school to become a model, please contact us at leaf@uwsp.edu or 715-346-4956 to discuss further.