School Forests

Purpose 

A class set of wooden field desks allows teachers to bring classes outdoors. These handy desks allow students to carry crayons, pencils, papers, magnifying lenses, thermometers, and other outdoor exploration tools.

Studies show that students who learn outdoors are better able absorb what they're learning while improving mental health and focus. Your work would help get more classes outside and make students happy!

Benefits to the Volunteer/Suitability

Making field desks is completely self-directed. The volunteer or group of volunteers must provide and assemble their own supplies, carpentry tools, and labor.

This is an excellent project for Eagle Scouts or Master Naturalists.

The volunteer also can practice and hone carpentry skills. 

The volunteer delivers the desks to a school, which may give them a chance to meet with a class and see how their work is used in the field.

Responsibilities/Time Commitment/Duration

This project will take several months to complete.

1. Identify a school who wants and knows how to use the desks. If you don't know of a school, you may contact the School Forest Program manager who can direct you to a school. 
2. Assemble all the supplies, equipment, and labor you will need to construct 30 field desks.  Equipment list and directions. This video may help. Past volunteers have secured donations such as lumber and clipboards from local businesses.
3. If a group, make sure all volunteers know how to use saws and carpentry tools safely and wear protective eyewear, ear protection, and other relevant safety practices.

Qualifications needed: 

• Organization skills
• Carpentry skills
• Driving skills to deliver desks to a school 

Safety training topics to be covered with volunteers:

• None

 Minimum Time Commitment: None. This project is completely self-directed. 

DNR Contact Person: Laura Duffey

Sign up:

• Complete the online application
• Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity