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Fernwood State Forest Outdoor Days

The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District (JSWCD) holds its annual week-long Fernwood Outdoor Days program during the month of May at Fernwood State Forest. This program serves to educate the 5th graders of Jefferson County about the natural resources that surround them. 

A group of kids and adults gathered outdoors around a small plant, possibly for a tree-planting activity.
A group of people, mostly kids, standing outdoors on a grassy area near a wooded background.
A person holding a small fish with a lake and greenery in the background.
A person fishes by a pond with two others observing, one in a wheelchair, surrounded by greenery and an overcast sky.
People outdoors using microscopes at a table, inspecting samples under a clear sky.
People observing bees inside a wooden display case at an outdoor educational event.
A child is being assisted in archery by an instructor outdoors, with others watching nearby.
A man is helping a child spray water from a fire hose in a grassy area.
Group of people, mostly kids, gathered outdoors around a table, listening to an adult holding a booklet or paper.
A group of kids and adults gathered outdoors around a small plant, possibly for a tree-planting activity.
A group of people, mostly kids, standing outdoors on a grassy area near a wooded background.
A person holding a small fish with a lake and greenery in the background.
A person fishes by a pond with two others observing, one in a wheelchair, surrounded by greenery and an overcast sky.
People outdoors using microscopes at a table, inspecting samples under a clear sky.
People observing bees inside a wooden display case at an outdoor educational event.
A child is being assisted in archery by an instructor outdoors, with others watching nearby.
A man is helping a child spray water from a fire hose in a grassy area.
Group of people, mostly kids, gathered outdoors around a table, listening to an adult holding a booklet or paper.

For over thirty-five years, school districts in the county have been participating in the program, with as many as 500-600 students taking part each year. During the week-long educational event, local organizations and state agencies assist in educating students in the topics of: aquatic ecosystems, archery, rockets, beekeeping, firefighting, litter and recycling, and fishing. 

Educators include: Ohio State University Extension (OSUE), Educator Stephanie Vance, Fernwood State Forest staff, Beekeepers Joe and Cindy Rodak, JB Green Team, ODNR Division of Wildlife, and JSWCD. The Ohio State University Extension’s Junior Leaders and students from Brandon Pendleton’s Indian Creek High School Environmental Studies class serve as team leaders for the individual groups. ​

“What makes this program great is the coordination that takes place amongst so many agencies and partners" states Jodee Verhovec, former JSWCD Supervisor. “Everyone comes together for the common purpose of educating our youth, and that’s something special.” 

 

A scenic view of a dense, colorful forest under a clear blue sky.

Fernwood State Forest

Over 3,000 acres make up the Fernwood State Forest and allows for many recreational activities open to the public including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and target and trap shooting ranges. ODNR, Division of Forestry manages the forest and  works with the JSWCD to coordinate this event each year.

The JSWCD board and staff extend their thanks to everyone who continues to make this annual program a success.