Students, parents and teachers are participating in specialeducational events this week so the public will learn that treesare vital aspects of our environment.

Many activities have been scheduled in conjunction with NationalForestry Week, which runs from Sept. 25-29, in order to educate thepeople of Lincoln, Lawrence and Copiah County about the positiveeffects of forestry.

Smokey Bear has already made several appearances in the LincolnCounty School District, talking with students about forestfires.

Students will also be able to participate in a special hands onexperience Thursday and Friday when the Wood Magic Science Programmakes it way to the area.

“There will be shows at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on both days,and a show at 7 p.m. Thursday for the adults. Anyone can come tothose shows,” said David Phillips, president of the Lincoln CountyForestry Association.

The Wood Magic Science Program is presented by Mississippi StateUniversity students and professors. Its purpose is to show howimportant wood products are in everyday life and how much thestate’s economy relies on the forestry industry.

“It’s going to be a big deal,” said Phillips. “We’ll probablyhave about 1,000 children attend.”

Fourth graders from Lincoln, Lawrence and Copiah County schools,along with home school students, are expected to attend theprograms at the Lincoln County Multi-Use building on Belt LineRoad.

Other elementary students will learn about the forestry industrythrough programs presented by the Mississippi Forestry Commission(MFC) and Smokey Bear.

Jim Phillips, with MFC, spends time with the students explaininghow trees help humans and animals. Students learn how trees provideoxygen, shelter and food.

“One acre of trees supplies enough oxygen for 18 people,” JimPhillips told a group of Loyd Star second graders Monday.

He also pointed out, much to the students’ surprise, that treesare used for maple syrup, toothpaste, bubble gum, cocoa, nuts,soap, film, beverages, lumber and paper.

“Trees do so many things for us,” he said. “That’s why I say . .. that trees are also man’s best friend.”

Smokey Bear, along with representatives from MFC, explains tostudents the negative effects of forest fires.

Students are told how fires destroy trees and wildlife.

“When Smokey was a baby bear cub, they found him after a forestfire. He was burned and he smelled like smoke, so that’s how he gothis name,” said County Forester Howard Stogner, mentioning thewell-known bear that was saved by firefighters.

Students also learn that fires can be dangerous to not justtrees and wildlife, but also to humans.

“It’s not just burning up trees. Men have to put their lives onthe line putting out fires,” said Jim Phillips.

Smokey Bear and the forester give students tips on how toprevent fires and what to do when they see a fire.

Stogner mentioned the break out of fires in Lincoln County overthe last few months, due to dry conditions.

Foresters believe it is important to teach students about thebenefits of trees and the negative effects of forest fires early inlife so they will grow up to be responsible adults, according toDavid Phillips.