PROGRAMS SUPPORTED IN 2024
VFEF has helped teach generations about forestry and how the environment impacts our world, our economy, and our lives on a daily basis. Scholarships have been a long-time focus of the Foundation, providing more than $1 million in support to Virginia Tech, Moutian Gateway Community College and in other programs. We are thankful for contributors who generously support the mission of the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation over the last 65 years!
FORESTRY SCHOLARSHIPS AT VIRGINIA TECH — $142,000
Academic scholarships are awarded annually to students in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation and the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech. These scholarships are administered through the Foundation in accordance with the restrictions agreed to with the donors.
MOUNTAIN GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE — $12,000
Mountain Gateway Community College offers Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Forest Management Technology (FMT), the only Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited FMT AAS degree in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of only 24 SAF-accredited AAS degree programs in the United States. MGCC also offers a second AAS degree in Arboriculture and Community Forestry in support of Virginia’s urban communities.
Shown below are additional programs VFEF supports.
FORESTRY SCHOLARSHIPS AT VIRGINIA TECH — $142,000
Academic scholarships are awarded annually to students in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation and the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech. These scholarships are administered through the Foundation in accordance with the restrictions agreed to with the donors.
MOUNTAIN GATEWAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE — $12,000
Mountain Gateway Community College offers Applied Science (AAS) degrees in Forest Management Technology (FMT), the only Society of American Foresters (SAF) accredited FMT AAS degree in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of only 24 SAF-accredited AAS degree programs in the United States. MGCC also offers a second AAS degree in Arboriculture and Community Forestry in support of Virginia’s urban communities.
Shown below are additional programs VFEF supports.
Project Learning Tree
$16,000 Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning environmental education program designed for use by both formal and non-formal educators. PLT is committed to creating a future where the next generation values the natural world and has the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions and take responsible actions to sustain forests and the broader environment. Through hands-on, interdisciplinary activities, PLT provides students with opportunities to investigate environmental issues and encourages them to make informed, responsible decisions. Our goal is to teach students how to think, not what to think about the environment. Forestry in 4-H Programs $67,145 Student are taught proper forest management concepts across the state. WARD BURTON FOUNDATION $7,500 In 2024, the WBWF Youth Outreach program continued to make a significant impact, reaching thousands of students and educators across Virginia. The Next Generation Youth Outreach trailer and educational display have already visited 6 major events, with 3 more planned. In partnership with the Halifax and Piedmont Soil & Water Districts and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the program covers topics such as conservation, wildlife, forestry, and erosion control, with content aligned to Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOLs). |
Teaching Teachers, Teaching Trees
$6,500 This two-day teacher's program is designed to expose public school teachers to forest management, the forest products industry, and provide training in Project Learning Tree activities. Camp Woods & Wildlife $2,000 Virginia Department of Forestry’s Camp Woods and Wildlife, a unique educational experience that has been enriching the lives of young individuals for over 70 years. Formerly known as Holiday Lake Forestry Camp, Camp Woods and Wildlife introduces 13-16-year-olds to the critical skills and knowledge needed for managing Virginia's forest resources. VA ASSOCIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS $1,500 In 2024, the program brought together 46 enthusiastic and interested students from 18 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) for a week of learning about Virginia’s natural resources from conservation professionals. Students were led by 13 volunteer counselors from various SWCDs and partner agencies. |
Virginia FFA Foundation
$13,000 The continued partnership between VFEF and Virginia FFA has made a significant and lasting impact especially those involved in forestry, wildlife, and outdoor-related events. VIRGINIA FOREST TRAILS INITIATIVE $2,000 The Virginia Forest Trails Initiative (VFTI) provides valuable opportunities for students to explore and connect with careers in the forestry industry. In 2024, VFTI hosted an exciting educational event at EXPO Richmond in April at the Meadow Event Park, in Doswell, VA. The event was designed for high school juniors and seniors, offering them a unique opportunity to learn about the various educational and technical pathways that lead to rewarding careers in the forest products sector. SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTERS, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA CHAPTER $6,000 The 2024 Trees to Products teachers' program provided educators with valuable, factual information about Virginia’s hardwood forests and their role in sustainable forest management. This program, which links to the Virginia Standards of Learning, included hands-on training in Project Learning Tree activities and a detailed exploration of hardwood forest management techniques and forest products industries. |
Are you aware of an educational program in forestry that could use our support?
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