Chancellor Thomas Gibson | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Chancellor Thomas Gibson | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s LEAF program and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have joined forces to involve school forests in tree seed collection. This collaboration aims to offer educational opportunities while preparing for the centennial of the school forest program in 2027-2028.
The initiative began with three pilot locations in fall 2024: Almond-Bancroft School Forest, Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom in Rhinelander, and Laona School Forest. In these locations, students engaged in collecting seeds that will become seedlings for future planting.
Brenda Sherman, a science teacher at Almond-Bancroft, guided her seventh-grade students in harvesting red pinecones. They learned about red pine reproduction and gathered half a bushel of cones. In Rhinelander, school forest manager Mike Cheslock led elementary students in learning about seeds and trees, resulting in the collection of 66 pounds of red oak acorns.
At Laona School Forest, teachers Karen Biedermann and Amy Vaclav conducted seed collection lessons with middle and high school students. Despite not finding viable seeds on their trip, they collected hemlock cones for study.
LEAF and the DNR plan to expand seed collection resources for more schools to participate. The Reforestation Program annually buys quality seeds from native trees to support reforestation goals. A significant portion is sourced from local collectors.
LEAF operates through a partnership between the DNR and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education. It coordinates efforts within registered school forests across Wisconsin for environmental education.
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