Discover the forests in our state, learn about forestry and the wood products industry, and receive Project Learning Tree training and lesson plans to bring back to your classroom/program!
The Sustainable Forestry Teachers Experience (SFTE) is a summer professional development workshop for North Carolina educators providing opportunities to explore all aspects of sustainable forestry in North Carolina. During SFTE, educators tour North Carolina forests and forestry facilities, learn about sustainable forestry practices in North Carolina, and gain knowledge and resources to bring back to classrooms/programs.
The North Carolina Forestry Association is the lead organization and is pleased to partner with the North Carolina Sustainable Forestry Initiative State Implementation Committee, North Carolina Project Learning Tree, and the North Carolina Forest Service.
2024 SCHEDULE & APPLICATION
The 2024 SFTE schedule and application will be released in January.
SFTE is a four-day program (Monday-Thursday). The program begins on the Monday at 11 a.m. and concludes on the Thursday at 2 p.m. Lodging (Monday-Wednesday nights), meals (lunch & dinner Monday, breakfast, lunch, & dinner Tuesday & Wednesday, and breakfast and lunch Thursday), transportation, and materials and resources are covered by the NC Forestry Association, the NC Sustainable Forestry Initiative State Implementation Committee, and partners.
There is no cost to attend SFTE; educators that are accepted into the program will submit a $100 deposit that will be refunded in full after participation in the program.
"I was able to learn new information about the forestry industry. I appreciate the fact that I was given the opportunity to visit the sites and observe the process."
"Something I will share with friends, colleagues, and students is there are so many great careers without needing college four year degrees! Everyone seems to LOVE what they do and BELIEVE in what they do."
"The connections, between education lessons and actual industry. Very relevant."
"Loved the tours and connections made with other teachers. All the resources gained are going to add to my ability to educate my students about sustainable forestry."
"I now have a great appreciation and am more knowledgeable about the work that goes into forest industries and sustaining our forests."
"Every presentation, visit, or activity was engaging and informative."
"This was well organized and it was apparent that time and money were spent to ensure a quality experience."
“This has been the most enlightening and educational experience I've had as an educator. Every part was excellent. Highly recommend it. Thank you!”
"I knew next to nothing about how sustainable forestry actually works. I now have a better picture of it and could explain it to others - including the benefits of it.”