Photo 1, left to right: Ms. Sally Collins, Associate Chief, USDA Forest Service, Washington; Woodsy Owl, Environmental Mascot; Dave Lemkay, Canadian Forestry Association; Wilhelmina Bratton, Education Program, USDA Forest Service; Smokey Bear and Gary Barret, International Program, USDA Forest Service.

Photo 2: Grade 5 class, International Program of École Filteau-Saint Mathieu, Ste-Foy QC.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Forest Protection in the Classroom

As an extension to the 12th World Forestry Congress, held in Quebec City, September 2003, students from three grade five classes in the International Program of École Filteau-Saint Mathieu in Ste-Foy took part in an unique learning exercise.

The presentation to the students outlined the important work of each organization in the field of protection of forests and the environment. This was enhanced by the appearance of Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, mascots of forest protection and awareness in Canada and the USA.

In preparation for the occasion, students researched available resources for information on forest biodiversity and forest fire protection. Each class discussed and analyzed these subjects as well as the news stories of the day on the devastating wildfires in western Canada.

At the conclusion of presentations, students engaged the American, Canadian and Quebec Government forestry officials in a series of questions and answers in English and French. This proved to be a delightful learning exercise for students and visitors alike.

Visiting the school were: Sally Collins, Associate Chief of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA, Forest Service); François Miville-Deschênes of Natural Resources Canada; Dave Lemkay of the Canadian Forestry Association; and Chantal Drapeau, of the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu au Québec

Our thanks to Danielle Grenier, Principal of École Filteau-Saint Mathieu and teachers Élaine Émond, Claudette Larouche, Frédérick Malouin and France Paradis, for their participation in this international event.

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