CADIZ, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and the Harrison County Soil & Water District jointly hosted 200 fifth-graders from Harrison County schools at Harrison State Forest near Cadiz, April 6-7, 2005.
The students planted 2,000 trees as part of a reforestation effort on previously strip-mined land within the forest. “This event provided an opportunity to advance reforestation efforts while educating young people about the importance of forestry,” said State Forester John Dorka. “The students’ efforts also kicked-off the planting of a tree for every Smokey Bear license plate sold in Ohio.”
The planted area has been set-aside at Harrison State Forest to say ‘thank you’ to those who purchase the Smokey Bear license plate supporting Ohio’s forests.
Prior to planting trees, state foresters and SWCD staff led the students in discussions of forest issues with a focus on timber management, soils, wildlife, and environmental quality. Representatives from the Earth Action Partnership provided presentations on wetlands to the students.
The Division of Forestry’s Marietta State Nursery provided hardwood trees for the event. Harrison State Forest is located in Harrison County, approximately three miles north of Cadiz, east of State Route 9.
The ODNR Division of Forestry manages 20 state forests on more than 185,000 acres, spanning parts of 21 counties. Using Best Management Practices (BMPs), state foresters demonstrate proper timber management within these forests. Benefits of properly-managed forests include timber, improved forest health, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, aesthetics and recreational opportunities.