LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Mountain Island Educational State Forest

This State Forest concentrates its programs on best forestry management practices and water quality. Located on Mountain Island Lake, the Forest offers educational opportunities to classroom students.

Preview your trip on the web: Mountain Island Educational State Forest

Learn more

  • North Carolina Division of Forest Resources This site teaches about foresty, wildfires and forest destruction, water quality, careers in forestry, forest stewardship, and more.
  • The Secret Life of Trees Follow Pierre Quercus and learn about the parts of a tree and why they are important.
  • Explore the Fantastic Forest An interactive map and a virtual forest take kids through a treasure hunt for special forest "finds." After answering a mystery question, kids can assemble their own forest setting.
  • Lesson plan: Animals undercover Students will learn about the different animal coverings using the inquiry method. They will learn about how the covering is used for protection and to control body temperatures.
  • Lesson plan: Trees in Your Own Backyard This activity lets students discover the benefits of urban forests by looking at trees on the schoolyard. Students will read a synopsis of the 400-year history of communal forests, survey their schoolyard trees, and draft a schoolyard tree ordinance.
  • Lesson plan: Tree-ring dating In their study of dendrochronology, students use activity sheets and a discussion to apply principles of dendrochronology to determine a tree's age and to recognize climatic variation. They will also analyze and experience how archaeologists can sometimes use tree rings to date archaeological evidence and study past climates.

Related pages

  • Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area: Originally settled by the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, the Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area has a diversity of natural communities including undisturbed forest and a wide variety of wildlife species.
  • Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education: Students will learn the importance of North Carolina's wildlife resources at this environmental education facility.
  • South Mountains State Park: One of the state's most rugged parks, South Mountains State Park offers a number of activities. Rangers are available to teach students about the mountain watershed and the importance of water stewardship.

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Straddling Lincoln and Gaston Counties is Mountain Island Educational State Forest; a picturesque slice of nature featuring abundant plant and animal life. Not yet open to the public, the Forest will feature classes and exhibits designed to educate schoolchildren, forestry professionals and the general public about the importance of North Carolina’s Forest health.

*Ranger conducted classes are available to groups of ten or more that register. Classes are also available to come to your school or special event. Call 704-827-7576 for information. Teacher’s Guides are also available to assist teachers in using the Forest as an outdoor classroom.

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