Fire Festival: Promotion of Healthy Forests and Fields Through Healthy Burning
Extension Education
Blake Carter
County Extension Agent
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service
Springfield
Abstract
Effingham County Extension and the Longleaf Alliance have created an annual event that started as a simple prescribed burn field day, and since transformed into an annual prescribed burn event to teach landowners, new and existing, about the benefits of burning, the assistance programs available, as well as connect the public with natural resource organizations, and teach the youth in the community about forestry as a future career path. The results have been incredible, seeing an average of 500 attendees from Effingham and the surrounding counties the past four years. Kids have the opportunity to see forestry as a potential area that may interest them as they grow up and choose their career paths. Landowners and adults have opportunities to meet with NRCS representatives, foresters, and specialists to learn more about natural resource conservation and the opportunities that planting pines can have for them long term. Since 2021, there have been four Fire Festivals that have taken place. The first year saw 300 attendees and has since seen an over 200% increase in attendance in 2023 boasting 650 community members participating, while 2024 saw a bit of a decline, potentially due to weather, hosting only 450 community members. The attendees’ feedback has been extremely positive, with only suggested additions as constructive criticism. The attendees all have sited that the event is educational for the kids and adults. One quote said, “it gives the kids plenty to do and learn from, while at the same time allows dads and moms to ‘talk business’ with the different organizations that are in attendance.”
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Blake Carter
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Carter, B. County Extension Agent, , Georgia, 31329