Did you know…
- Nearly HALF of Florida’s landscape is covered in forests…that’s 17.2 MILLION acres.
- Florida forests produce $25.1 BILLION in revenue each year and represent more than 124,000 jobs.
- For every 1 direct job in the forest industry, a total of 3 jobs are supported throughout Florida’s economy.
- There are more than 5,000 uses for wood, its fiber, and by-products.
- Wood is the only raw material that is at the same time renewable, recyclable, biodegradable, durable, versatile, energy efficient, and beautiful.
Join the Florida Forest Service, Florida Forestry Association, Project Learning Tree of Florida, and Friends of Florida State Forests for an inside look at Florida’s largest agricultural commodity while earning 30 CEU hours! Forests are critical to Florida’s infrastructure and workforce, from clean air and water to home goods and other wood products. Come learn how the forest industry works to meet the needs of the community and the environment, including conservation practices and efforts established to keep Florida’s forests healthy, renewable, and sustainable for future generations. Immerse yourself in a wealth of diverse activities that will help connect your experience in the field with the curriculum in the classroom. You will also discover a variety of career opportunities available for students. Note: Please be aware that this is primarily an outdoor event in natural settings and will include facilities that are hot and humid. The physical nature of the tour will include long periods of standing, walking, and climbing stairs. All participants must follow all COVID-19 protocols.
When: The tour begins in the afternoon on Tuesday, June 18 and ends at noon on Friday, June 21.
Who Can Attend: Florida educators of all subjects and grade levels.*
Where: Northeast Florida – Lodging in Fernandina Beach, FL
Cost: $50 REFUNDABLE deposit collected when the teacher is notified of acceptance. A refund will be given once the teacher attends the tour. All other costs are covered by sponsors. However, teachers are responsible for travel to and from the event.
Benefit: To connect educators to Florida’s forest industry in an unbiased setting while earning 30 CEU hours.
What Tour Alumni Say:
“The opportunity to interact with so many diverse professionals in the forestry network, as well as meeting and visiting with other educators, is a welcome change from most professional development offerings.” – Suwannee County Teacher
"We were made to feel like dignitaries- You made sure we had everything we needed, the food was superb and accommodations were great. All the staff were superb! Thank you!" – Orange County Teacher
"I can honestly say that in my 23 years of teaching and attending conferences, in-services and workshops- this one was hands down the best." – Leon County Teacher
The 2024 application period opens on Friday, February 2. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 1. Acceptance notifications will be sent in April.
If you have questions about your Florida Forestry Teachers Tour application, contact _ForestryTeachersTour@FDACS.gov.