Black Hills National Forest

Kids in the Woods

“Our most important resource in this country is not forests, vital as they are. It is not water, although life itself would cease to exist without it.
It is people.
The challenges of climate change and looming water shortages will not be resolved in a few years. It will take generations. Today’s children—and theirs—will need to be able to take the baton and continue the race. For that, they will need a full understanding of why forests are so valuable, along with a strong land ethic. It is our job to give them both.”

— Former Forest Service Chief Gail Kimbell

Kids in the Woods event held Oct. 27th along the Mickelson Trail by Custer. Forest Service Employees took the Custer Kindergarten classes to see a beaver dam.

Kids in the Woods Video

Moon Walk visitors caught frogs and learned how to recognize local amphibian species by sight and sound.

Moon Walk visitors learned about turkeys and their habitats.

The Forest Service has a long and proud tradition of reaching out to Americans on behalf of conservation. From Smokey Bear, to NatureWatch, to Project Learning Tree, the Forest Service has worked across programs and disciplines to integrate conservation education into much of what we do. But we must do more. If we are to meet the conservation challenges of the 21st century, then we must spread environmental literacy across America, focusing first and foremost on kids. Through a challenge cost-share program called “More Kids in the Woods,” the Forest Service is contributing to a growing national movement to bring kids to nature—and nature to kids.

National Forests and Grasslands offer a diversity of outdoor opportunities. These lands are yours - to visit, to care for, but most of all, to enjoy. What are you waiting for? Pack up your family and friends and head for adventure in America's Great Outdoors. On the Black Hills National Forest, join us for the Moonwalks held once a month on a Saturday night at 7 pm from May through October.