Black Hills National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Alfred Heinrich (605) 673-9200, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

FOREST SERVICE TEACHES KIDS ABOUT BEAVERS AND NATURE

CUSTER, SD: OCTOBER 29, 2009

The Black Hills National Forest recently took the Custer Elementary on a hike to learn about beavers.

“Today was a good opportunity to take the kids out of the classroom and show them what’s out in the forest,” said Alfred Heinrich, Black Hills National Forest.

There were around 50 students, parents and teachers on the field trip.

The kids hiked along the Mickelson trail to a beaver dam/pond, just North of the hospital in Custer.

“We showed them a beaver dam, huts, and trees that had been chewed down,” said Heinrich. “It was just a really great trip for the kids.”

The Forest Service has teamed up with the American Recreation Coalition and National Forest Foundation to form a program called “Kids in the Woods.” This is a program that teaches children about their natural environment through hands on outdoor activities.

“There are so many kids that stay home and just play video games and watch TV. They don’t go outside to enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds us. This was a good opportunity for some of the kids to get outside and explore,” said Heinrich.

Heinrich said the Forest Service is hoping to do more events like this in the future. “We hope to do at least one every year,” said Heinrich

“I’d like to encourage more parents to come; it’s a great event for the kids and parents alike.”

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills.