Florida Forest Service Resources for Educators

Wildfire Prevention Education Programs

Wildfire Prevention Clowns

The Florida Forest Service Wildfire Prevention Clown program is the only one of its kind in wildland fire. The prevention clowns teach children about the dangers of wildfire, not to play with matches and how to stay safe. They accomplish this through wildfire skits, magic programs and just talking to kids about fire. Children enjoy interacting with the clowns and are receptive to their message of preventing fire. Every year at the Florida State Fair, children come by the  Florida Forest Discovery Center looking for their favorite clown. The clowns also accompany Smokey Bear to many programs. The clowns do a great job explaining Smokey’s message to the children.

Smokey Bear

For generations, the Smokey Bear campaign has been the cornerstone for effective wildfire prevention education. Since 1944, Smokey Bear has been a recognized symbol for the conservation and protection of America’s forests. Smokey Bear’s message, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” has helped to reduce the number of U.S. acres burned by wildfires from about 22 million to 8 million annually. 

Contact a local Florida Forest Service office to schedule a fire prevention education program or event with Smokey Bear or the Wildfire Prevention Clowns at your school or youth program.

Visit the national website for Smokey Bear.

Florida Forestry Teachers’ Tour

Each summer, the Florida Forestry Teachers’ Tour brings 45 teachers from across the state to Fernandina Beach for four days to learn how forestry and the forest industry work in Florida. Together with the Florida Forest Service, Florida Forestry Association, Project Learning Tree of Florida, and Friends of Florida State Forests, participating teachers experience all aspects of forestry practices, from the planting and growing processes to the mills and final products. They will also learn about environmental issues and how foresters work to meet the needs of Florida’s communities and environment. Teachers will receive 30 Continuing Education Units for attending the tour. All lodging, meals and tour transportation are provided. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateForests.org/TeachersTour.

Bear Creek Educational Forest at Lake Talquin State Forest

Bear Creek Education Building

Bear Creek Educational Forest is a 492-acre tract of  Lake Talquin State Forest. Programs are FREE for any public or private school group, Scout troop, daycare or any other youth organization. Each program option may include a lesson, game and hands-on activity in the forest. An interpretive hike and souvenir craft to make and take home may also be included. 

Other Educational Materials

• Forest Health Education
• Bag Wars [ 327 kB ]
• Goods from the Woods [ 158.2 kB ]
• What Is a Healthy Forest? (grades PreK-8) 
• Beyond the Trees (grades 9-12) 
• Project Learning Tree 
• University of Florida Educational Materials
• Arbor Day Foundation's Youth Education