Oklahoma Foresters Offer a Walk In the Forest

Are you ready to get outdoors and enjoy the woods on a fall day? Oklahoma Forestry Services invites avid hikers, casual walkers, nature lovers, families with strollers and seniors to take a walk in the beautiful Keystone Ancient Forest, near Sand Springs, OK. Foresters and natural resource professionals from multiple organizations will be on hand to greet visitors on Saturday, October 18, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. The foresters will lead the walk and share information about the forests and trees and how foresters work to keep forests healthy and thriving.

“It’s going to be a great day and we encourage you to bring your family and friends and join us in the forest,” said Erin Johnson, Staff Forester, Oklahoma Forestry Services and Chair, Oklahoma Division, Society of American Foresters. “Participants will learn about forests and their importance to people for our health, the environment and the economy.”

Hikers are asked to dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. It is also recommended that participants bring sunscreen and bug spray. The walk will take about 1½ hours if participants stop at each educational station. Each hiker will receive a free water bottle, and water and snacks will be provided while supplies last. A special station for kids will offer fun, hands-on Project Learning Tree activities and giveaways.

The Walk in the Forest program is part of a national campaign coordinated by the Society of American Foresters and the American Forest Foundation. The Oklahoma walk is being hosted by the Oklahoma Division of the Ouachita Society of American Foresters, in partnership with Oklahoma Forestry Services; Oklahoma State University – NREM; OSU Student SAF Chapter and the City of Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information contact Oklahoma Forestry Services at (405) 522-6158 or visit www.forestry.ok.gov. Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, is committed to conserving, enhancing and protecting Oklahoma’s forest resources for present and future generations.

 
Directions to Keystone Ancient Forest:
Keystone Ancient Forest is located west of Sand Springs, OK, which is six miles west of Tulsa. From 209th West Avenue (Prue Road) and Highway 64 / 412 exit - Travel north along Prue Road approximately 2 miles. The entrance is directly across from the second cell phone tower and features a large sandstone and black iron gate.

About the Society of American Foresters
The Society of American Foresters is the scientific and educational association representing nearly 17,000 professional foresters and natural resource professionals in the United States. The society’s primary objective is to advance the science, technology, education, and practice of professional forestry for the benefit of all society. The Oklahoma Division of the Ouachita Society of American Foresters has about 75 members, but across Oklahoma there are more than 200 professional foresters. Many of these foresters are employed by Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; Oklahoma State University, the forest industry, the US Forest Service or are private consulting foresters. To find out more go to www.safnet.org.
 
About the American Forest Foundation
The American Forest Foundation (AFF) works to keep forests healthy and our children well-prepared for the future. AFF’s sustainable woodland system, the American Tree Farm System®, helps family forest owners manage more than 26 million acres of forest land. AFF’s Project Learning Tree® program works with tens of thousands of teachers each year, giving them a peer-reviewed, award-winning environmental education curriculum that opens a door to America’s outdoor heritage and has reached more than 75 million students. AFF works with international, national, state, and local partners. In Oklahoma, PLT is sponsored by Oklahoma Forestry Services and the Oklahoma Forestry Association. More information is available at www.forestfoundation.org.