Hightower Educational Forest - Teachers Guide
Georgia Forestry Commission
4500 Hwy 53 East
Dawsonville, GA 30534
(706) 216-6073
Hightower Education Forest, located in Dawson County,
encompasses 142 beautiful acres in a forested mountain setting. Since it
was officially opened in 1994, the education facility has hosted groups
from preschool to adult, teaching students about the importance of the
forest and investigating natural processes within the forest.
Originally a nursery, and later a seed orchard, the
Dawson county site is also the Georgia Forestry Commission Unit Office.
Rangers from this unit assist landowners in management of their forested
acreage.
Because of its central location in northern Georgia, and
the availability of instructors in the natural resource fields, teachers
began to request field trips to the forest in 1992. The demand grew with
the establishment of a "Talking Tree Trail" and other forest
exhibits and demonstration areas.
Today, Hightower Education Forest offers a variety of
programs to choose from, taught by instructors knowledgeable about the
forest. The programs cover all aspects of the forest environment,
including soil, water, and wildlife, as well as timber and forest
management.
Also available at Hightower Education Forest are adult
workshops, including Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, and Project WET.
These workshops are conducted according to demand, throughout the year.
Hightower Education Forest is a working forest. This
means that forest management methods are used to maximize the potential of
the land for various goals; timber production, wildlife habitat
development, water quality, and educational opportunities. The goal of all
education programs is to inform visitors that in order to perpetuate the
forest as a natural resource, we must manage that resource, balancing
utilization and preservation with a "conservation" ethic.
Outdoor Education Classes
This guide is intended to assist you as you plan your
visit to Hightower Education Forest. Programs are designed to help
learners understand that forests are complex ecosystems that can be
managed for many uses. Our emphasis is on conservation, and visitors are
given an opportunity to see a "working forest".
When possible, classes are kept small, with a desired
maximum of 25 students to each group. The teachers of each class include
foresters, rangers, educators, and other natural resource specialists.
Reservations
Reservations for educational classes are required. Each
program lasts from 30 to 45 minutes and there is no minimum group size.
Larger groups may have to be divided and may be assigned to more than one
day in order to keep group size down and maximize learning opportunities.
Please call prior to two weeks of your desired trip date
to reserve your time and day. Field excursions are tailored to your
desired goals and include topics you wish to cover for your class.
Generally, for all-day visits, at least four programs can be included. One
of the four classes is usually the "Talking Tree Trail". Shorter
schedules are also available and can include less than four programs.
Forest Season Schedule
The Forest is open year-round from 8:00am to 4:30pm,
Monday-Friday. Weekend programs are available upon request with sufficient
advance notice.
Fees
All classes are free of charge.
Arrival
We make every effort to provide a quality educational
experience. Our instructors will be ready to present your scheduled
classes as soon as your group arrives at the forest. We know you will make
every effort to arrive on time, however, we also know unexpected
situations can occur. If your arrival will be delayed, please notify the
forest as soon as possible. To make your visit an enjoyable and productive
experience, some adjustments of your agenda, including deletions of
classes, may be necessary if your group arrives late.
Inclement Weather
We are an outdoor facility and have only a small indoor
classroom. If the weather looks threatening for the day of you visit,
please call to confirm your arrival. We will try to conduct programs as
long as the comfort of your students will not be compromised.
Student Conduct
Just as in your classroom, undisciplined students lessen
the educational value of our classes. We ask that you have sufficient
adults present to control student behavior. We suggest a minimum of one
adult per 10 students.
Clothing Suggestions
Wear comfortable clothes for hiking and activities.
There is a possibility you might get dirty or wet or both. Wear something
you won't mind getting "messed up". Comfortable hiking shoes
will be a plus. Also, during cold weather, wear warm clothes and coats.
Layers work best. Don't forget hats and gloves.
Cancellations
If your plans change, please notify the forest as early
as possible.
Educator Workshops
Environmental education workshops for adults are
scheduled periodically. Contact us if you would like to schedule a
workshop for your group of 15 or more.
Location of Hightower Education Forest
We are located approximately 3 miles east of
Dawsonville, GA on Highway 53. Access from the east can be obtained from
GA 400 at the Hwy 53 intersection. Turn west toward Dawsonville and travel
approximately 1.5 miles. Our sign is on the left at the bottom of the
hill. Look for the rock Georgia Forestry Commission Dawson Unit sign.
