National Forest Week is of interest to all Canadians because forests are so important to their country and themselves. It is a "once a year" event and helps remind all that day in, day out and through the years, forests are an essential part of the Canadian landscape and lifestyle. The following are suggestions for anyone who wants to take part in this special Week. The opportunities for participation are almost boundless - restricted only by the limits of imagination, interest and information.

WHAT IS NATIONAL FOREST WEEK?

National Forest Week is an annual observance in Canada during which attention is focused on the country's woodlands. Its main purpose is to help increase public awareness of the importance of Canada's forests and their careful management for present and future needs. It is a "do it yourself" event during which individuals, groups and those involved in various phases of resource management are encouraged to do something special to emphasize their interests in forestry.

National Forest Week has been held since the 1920's, starting at that time as Forest Fire Prevention Week and developing over the years to its present form. During that period, its focus has expanded from prevention of forest fires in the early days to a broader look at many influences which can affect the forest and are affected by it.

WHEN IS NATIONAL FOREST WEEK?

The annual observance is during the first full week in May beginning with a Sunday. In Quebec, special legislation has set a later date in May for La Semaine de l'Arbre et de Ia Foret. A national theme is selected each year, broad enough in scope to encourage widespread participation. The logo for the Week symbolizes the close relationship between trees and people.

National Forest Week is sponsored across Canada by the Canadian Forestry Association and regionally by its member Provincial Forestry Associations in co-operation with many other agencies and individuals.

WHY TAKE PART IN NATIONAL FOREST WEEK?

National Forest Week provides an opportunity for everyone to take stock of how trees and forests affect him or her. A broad belt of forests covers most of Canada from St. John's, Newfoundland to Vancouver Island and from the U.S. boundary north into The Territories. The vast band of trees is an essential part of the environment affecting wildlife, watersheds, people and economic wealth. Its southern fringe is readily accessible to the majority of Canadians who live within 150 miles of the international boundary. It is a playground for Canadians and foreign visitors and a source of jobs for those who harvest and manufacture its products. Even within most towns and cities the so-called "urban forest" in yards, along streets and in parks softens the city landscape.

In short, the history, destiny and character of Canada are directly related to its forests and trees. In many cases this has been taken for granted or even not recognized.

National Forest Week provides an opportunity for expanding individual and collective awareness of how important forests are to all of us. Greater appreciation of the importance of forests will help bring support for improved management of this priceless resource. Trees and forests are indeed part of the lives of all Canadians and they owe it to themselves to learn more about them for personal fulfillment, better understanding of their environment, informed citizenship and enlightened stewardship.

WHO DOES WHAT?

National Forest Week is publicized through a widespread network of organizations within and outside the forest sector. Many of these are represented on N.F.W. national, provincial and regional committees coordinated by the Canadian Forestry Association or member Provincial Forestry Associations. The Forestry Associations should be contacted for further information on these each year. Equally important, since National Forest Week is an "Eco Logical" event, individuals or groups acting independently are encouraged to see, learn or do something special during the Week which will help in their appreciation of this complex ecosystem and the ways in which it is managed for different purposes.

WHAT CAN AN INDIVIDUAL DO?

• Plant tree(s) around the home
• Find out how to improve privately-owned woodlots or plantations
• Learn to identify more trees in the neighborhood
• Take stock of the trees on your own property - their health, damage by insects or disease, vulnerability to human or natural in jury
• List all the items in your home or place of study/work which are made from wood
• Adopt a tree. Select one species of particular interest to you and learn as much as possible about it
• Trace the influence of forests on your own community
• Search local libraries for information about forestry - historical, dramatic, fictional, ecological, economic, technical and scientific
• Inventory local sources of information - government departments, forestry associations, private nurseries, professional foresters, park and conservation agencies, forest industries, directories
• Visit places of forestry interest - natural woodlands, plantations, wood-using industries
• Take a "Walk in the Forest" and look, listen and observe
• Resolve to prevent wildfires and be careful with all fire while in forested areas
• Learn and tell others about the various rules and regulations which apply while hunting, fishing or traveling in parks or forested areas
• Watch, read and listen to news and features on forestry
• Write a letter to the editor about some forestry subject or report
• Determine and promote progressive forestry policies of your political party association
• Write or visit your local M.P. or elected official to express support or concern on forestry issues of major significance to your local constituency
• Learn about various career opportunities in forest management or utilization
• Join a group such as a Provincial Forestry Association where you can help the forestry cause.

WHAT CAN GROUPS DO?

• Organize tree planting by groups or for special occasions - ceremonial and operational
• Present seedlings to elected officials Organize "Walks in the Forest"
• Hold a picnic with emphasis on some forestry activity, e.g. tree planting, nature trail visit, stream improvement, wildlife census, etc.
• Develop tours for public and special audiences of research, industrial and forest management operations
• Take tours of mills and wood products manufacturers
• Develop news releases, editorials, special features on forestry subjects
• Encourage newspapers to have special sections on forests and forestry
• Interest radio and television stations on interviews and news about forests
• Sponsor media tours to places of forestry interest
• Arrange displays of children's forestry art, crafts or skills
• Encourage special forestry school programs including talks, films, projects
• Advise school groups on forestry as a career
• Consult with your school board to find out what the curriculum contains about the importance of natural resources to society
• Arrange special N.F.W. events, visits or pro grams through parent/teacher organizations
• Prepare displays for shopping malls and high visibility locations
• Solicit messages on restaurant place mats, shopping bags, etc.
• Have local public libraries display N.F.W. posters and reading material
• Organize parades, demonstrations and logging sports
• Give forestry talks and presentations to service clubs, environment groups, etc.
• Sponsor debates, photo contests, essays about the forest
• Convene neighborhood study sessions on forestry topics
• Offer leadership to local youth groups or service clubs for special National Forest Week forestry programs
• Hold special film shows either in co operation with local commercial theatres or at special showings
• Publicize and promote songs, poetry, literature and art of forests
• Include forestry fact sheets in payroll or invoice envelopes
• Promote National Forest Week in church service announcements
• Use postage meter messages to publicize National Forest Week
• Distribute special promotional items - N.F.W. buttons, caps, etc.
• Work with your regional, provincial or National Forest Week Committee to en courage community interest in the Week

A LITTLE HUMOUR NOW AND THEN

A little humor now and then is treasured by the wisest men- and can also help to make National Forest Week a fun as well as informational event, and incidentally attract more attention to it. How about:

• Wearing a leaf, cone or some other part of a tree as jewellery or adornment?
• Preparing forest foods (maple syrup, fruit, etc.) and menus (traditional lumberjack food)?
• Funny forest photos?
• Fabulous forest characters (Joe Muffraw, Paul Bunyan. . .)
• Composing forestry or tree songs, poetry or jokes?
• Forestry alphabet, e.g.:
  A is for Arbor - that's Latin for Tree
  B is for Birch - that gets Die Back Disease
  C is for Cherry - its fruit is just right
  D is for Dogwood - whose bark does not bite!
  E is for ...