Is the Forester the Lord of the Forest?

The program “Is the Forester the Lord of the Forest?” is an environmentally focused educational initiative organized by the Jezírko Center in Brno-Soběšice. It is designed for 4th and 5th grade students and runs from spring to autumn. The aim of the program is to familiarize children with the life cycle of trees, forest ecosystems, and ecological processes through direct contact with nature. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences and activities, enabling students to acquire knowledge about forest functioning, the role of individual organisms, and the importance of sustainable management of natural resources. It also includes education on human impact on the environment and methods for forest conservation.

Key Activities and Student Experience
The program involves field-based learning where students experience the full life cycle of a tree—from seed, through growth and reproduction, to decay and nutrient recycling. Students learn to identify different tree species and their characteristics, assess the impact of climatic conditions and soil factors on growth, and explore ecological interactions between plants and animals. Practical activities include using a forestry caliper to determine tree age and comparing natural and managed forests. The program also incorporates experimental tasks such as measuring tree circumference, tracking animal traces, and observing micro-ecosystems on decaying wood. Students work in groups, discuss observations, compare data, and draw conclusions, thereby enhancing analytical thinking and teamwork.

Program Features and Principles
The program promotes active learning, environmental literacy, and responsible attitudes toward nature. Students acquire an understanding of ecological relationships, recognize interdependencies between organisms and their environment, and become aware of the impacts of human activities on ecosystems. The program is designed to be engaging and motivating, combining outdoor movement, hands-on measurements, observations, and group activities. Learning through direct experience increases student engagement and interest in environmental topics. The program also develops the ability to critically evaluate natural processes and fosters creativity in problem-solving.

Methodology and Structure
Field-based sessions typically run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and are divided into several modules. Students are grouped into teams of 15–30 participants to allow individual attention while promoting teamwork. The program structure includes an introduction to goals and rules, practical measurement and observation activities, discussion of findings, and a concluding summary. The methodology emphasizes gradual knowledge acquisition—students first observe and record facts, then analyze and compare them, and finally discuss ecological interconnections. The program is flexible and can be adapted to the abilities of the students and the specific conditions of the forest, ensuring inclusivity and effective learning.

Expected Outcomes and Benefits
Participation in the program provides students with comprehensive knowledge of tree life cycles, ecological processes within forests, and principles of sustainable resource management. The program enhances observational skills, analytical thinking, and critical reasoning, while fostering a responsible attitude toward nature. Children develop an awareness of human impact on forest ecosystems and learn how they can contribute to environmental protection. Through direct engagement with nature and hands-on activities, students gain respect for natural processes and the importance of biodiversity.