Prospective Scope of Forest Management Education at James Madison's Montpelier

Abstract

Urban sprawl and intergenerational transfers are fostering a new period of family forest ownership in the United States typified by larger numbers of younger owners with smaller parcels that are interested in managing their forests but often lacking requisite knowledge. At the same time, there is a general decline in the public's connection to forests and appreciation of forestry. In light of these circumstances, forest management educators are increasing opportunities for younger citizens, owners of small forests, and suburban and urban residents. Incorporating forest management education into heritage tourism offers an approach that could contribute to ongoing efforts. The potential scope of such a strategy is possible to explore within the context of a newly created outdoor sustainable forestry education initiative at James Madison's Montpelier. Knox's (2002) Adult Basic Education Guide was used to guide a formative evaluation of visitor participation in outdoor sustainable forestry education at Montpelier. Results suggest the initiative may help reach a sizeable number of key constituents. The implications for reaching family owners of smaller acreages, engaging younger citizens and likely opinion leaders, future program development, and potential impacts are discussed.

Sustainability and Forest Certification as a Framework for a Capstone Forest Resource Management Plans Course

“…At the same time the focus tends to be towards problems students are likely to encounter on the job, problemsolving or learning, and on the broad ecosystems or landscape (Vaux, 1975;Straka, 1993;Arthur & Thompson, 1999;Thompson et al, 2003;Prokopy, 2009). The capstone course and the students are forced to adapt to the changing demands of the profession (Sample et al, 1999;Straka & Childers, 2006;Munsell, 2009).…”