Smokey Bear surprises kids at Bell Library’s summer reading program

Smokey Bear received lots of hugs last week when he stopped by the Bell Library to talk about forestry and the importance of preventing forest fires.

By Greg Marshall

Gilchrist County Forester
The Division of Forestry was invited to talk to a group of kids about forestry at the library July 21st.
The Division of Forestry reached kids from Bell who were eager to learn about trees and the forest.
The kids learned why the forest is important and some of the products that are produced from trees. The kids will never be able to brush their teeth, eat ice cream, wash their hair and eat Oreo cookies without thinking of trees.
There are over 5,000 products that are derived from trees that are used every day. Trees provide additives in products such as gum, Gator Aid and hot sauce. Think twice when you are using a product; it may have been made from a tree.
Another topic the kids learned is that it is important to protect the forest from wildfires. At this time Smokey’s ears were burning and surprised the kids.
Prevention is the key in helping to reduce the number of human caused fires. Florida is the lightning capital of the world; however arson and escaped debris burning are still the two main causes of wildfires in Florida.
Smokey Bear remains an active part of our overall fire prevention message, but our work goes beyond Smokey.
The Division of Forestry can educate kids and adults on all forestry related topics. If you have any questions on forestry or want Smokey to visit your school, contact the Division of Forestry at 352-463-3138. To learn more about other services provided visit the Division of Forestry at www.fl-dof.com.