Hundreds of grade-school students from across the Alberni Valley could be found at McLean Mill National Historic last week for a special National Forest Week presentation.
Students rotated through several stations throughout the site, learning about different aspects of the forest industry — from tree and vegetation identification to salmon enhancement to wildfire prevention. Students even got a chance to check out how to use a drone with Mosaic Forest Management.
Participants were accompanied by several high school students from Alberni District Secondary School's Land Based Learning program. This program, made up of students from Grade 8 to 12, combines classroom instruction with hands-on outdoor activities and adventure-based learning.
"Instead of reading a book or sitting in a classroom, you can go outside and do things out there," explained Nevaeh Amos, a Grade 9 student who was part of the forestry tour on Wednesday. "It's much more fun because we get to go outside and try new things."
Along with hiking, paddling and camping, Land Based Learners also get to attend events like National Forest Week, where they helped younger students with activities like planting tree saplings.
National Forest Week is celebrated each year across Canada during the third week in September. This year it took place from Sept. 22 to 28.
