Celebrate National Forest Week September 18th – 24th
CHAPLEAU, ON – National Forest Week, originally established as Forest Fire Prevention Week in 1926, is observed annually during the last full week of September. During National Forest Week, The Northeast Superior Forest Community (NSFC) and its partners encourage you to learn more about our forest heritage and to raise awareness about this valuable and renewable resource.
This year is unique as the United Nations has declared 2011 the International Year of Forests and has chosen Forests for People as the theme. This theme promotes the wise use and conservation of forests and reminds us that forests and people are interconnected.
As the largest geographical feature of the country, Canada’s forests provide rich economic benefits and multiple values to Canadians. Our forests are dotted with cottages and parks for recreation, a growing array of ecological reserves for animal habitat and scientific study, and a vast diversity of flora and fauna enjoyed by students, hikers, nature enthusiasts, hunters, anglers and many others.
Forests also play many important ecological roles: biodiversity storehouse, carbon reservoir, oxygen producer, air and water filter, climate moderator and protector against soil erosion. Forests are present in our everyday lives; they are a source of life!
For today and tomorrow Canada takes pride in its reputation as a leader in sustainable forest management and works internationally to help raise management standards. As a global steward, Canada is maintaining and enhancing the long-term health of its ecosystems for the benefit of all living things, while providing environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits, now and in the future.
Wednesday, September 21, will mark Canada’s first ever National Tree Day, celebrating the benefits that trees provide. Throughout the week, take time to appreciate trees and forests in your community as well as the enjoyment and contribution they bring to everyday life.
There are many ways that you can celebrate our local forests, and National Forest Week is a great time to start. Check out a list of suggestions below, head outside, and show how much you appreciate our forests!
How you can participate in National Forest Week and Celebrate International Year of Forests!
- Arrange a tree planting day
- Take a walk in the woods nearby and get to know your forest
- Care for a newly planted or neglected tree and study its species
- Identify all the things at home or school that are made of wood
- Tour a forest sector industry or processing site
- Learn about organizations that certify sustainable forest management such as the Forest Stewardship Council at www.fsccanada.org
- Learn about the prevention of forest fires
- Contact a provincial forestry association for teaching materials at www.focusonforests.ca
- Learn about what forests mean to other nations at www.iucn.org
About the Northeast Superior Forest Community
The NSFC is a partnership between six municipalities; Manitouwadge, White River, Hornepayne, Dubreuilville, Wawa, and Chapleau, as well as the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs Forum which represents Chapleau Cree, Brunswick House, Michipicoten, Missanabie Cree, Pic Mobert, and Hornepayne First Nations. The NSFC is also one of 11 Forest Community sites funded by Natural Resources Canada’s Forest Communities Program, and part of a network of 14 sites across the country who combine to form the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN).
