Putting Our Dollars to Work: Local Units Receive Foresters’ Fund Grants

July 22, 2022

SAF Foresters’ Fund grants provide resources to local units to engage in meaningful projects and activities. Eight local units have received financial grants to support projects that promote forestry education and outreach and cultivate future leaders.

Leaders in three regions identified the continued development of future leaders as a critical issue for the viability and success of SAF and have received special grant funding. The Appalachian SAF, which includes Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina Divisions; Washington State SAF, in partnership with Oregon SAF; and Montana SAF, with neighboring Inland Empire SAF, all received grants for leadership trainings in their respective areas.

The Colorado-Wyoming SAF, in partnership with the SAF Northern Wyoming Chapter, received a $5,000 special grant to support the design, build, and installation of 14 interpretive signs at seven locations on national forest and BLM land in Fremont County. SAF is working with many partners on this project, including the Wind River Fire Prevention Council and Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Mississippi SAF also received a special grant of $5,000 to support Teachers Conservation Workshops where participants learn by demonstration and practical exercises how forestry and natural resources conservation practices can be integrated into the classroom. 

Three regular grants were awarded to SAF chapters in Virginia, Alabama, and Idaho. The Blue Ridge Chapter of Appalachian SAF received $1,200 to buy materials to build a new trail loop in Explore Park near Roanoke, Virginia. Chapter members will mark the trail, mount tree identification signs, identify new interpretive stops, update the self-guided map, and replace signage recognizing SAF’s involvement. The Snake River Chapter of Intermountain SAF received $2,000 to host the 2023 Forestry Day at the Legislature. Presentations on topics such as forest sector economics, mass timber production, water management, and wildfire issues will educate members of the state legislature, congressional delegation and staff, state agency administrators, and others decision makers about the need for continued active management of lands. The Mountain Lakes Chapter, Alabama Division of the Southeastern SAF, will use their $990 grant to introduce local educators to the Project Learning Tree outdoor learning experience. Using instructional materials designed for K-12 students, the workshop will present hands-on activities that help educators connect students with nature, engage in learning, improve student achievement, and grow skills that help students to think critically and solve problems. The project will also strengthen partnerships between state and local conservation organizations and SAF. Congrats to all.

The last Foresters’ Fund deadline of the year is September 15. Regular grant proposals of up to $2,000 that address key themes across SAF’s work will be considered. Visit the Foresters’ Fund webpage to learn more and apply. Be sure to plan ahead as all proposals require SAF state society approval before submission.