Students Gain Outdoor Skills at Robinson Forest Program

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky’s 14,800-acre Robinson Forest provides an exceptional outdoor classroom for students exploring forestry, wildlife, insects, water and ecology.

Located in the Cumberland Plateau, the forest is recognized for its rich natural diversity and serves as an important research and education site through the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Each year, the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program (KFLP) brings high school students to Robinson Forest for an immersive week of hands-on learning. Participants from Kentucky and other areas work alongside professionals and researchers from the UK Cooperative Extension Service, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Kentucky Division of Conservation.

Laurie Thomas, Extension forester and associate for outreach education at Martin-Gatton CAFE, said KFLP provides students with an opportunity to explore natural resources through practical experiences.

“Robinson Forest offers the perfect ecosystem, and all the resources are here for the students,” Thomas said. “Students get to learn all about trees and forestry, wildlife in our Eastern Kentucky forest and insects, along with different career tracks. Everything is right here for them to get outside and get their hands dirty.”

Students choose from forestry, entomology or wildlife tracks. Forestry lessons include tree identification, surveying, soils, fire management, water quality and mapping.

Wildlife students assess habitats by studying amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds and bats. The entomology track examines Kentucky insects and their effects on forests.

Returning participant Lucy Duebber values the program’s practical approach and collaborative environment.

“I really like learning with my hands and with other people that are interested in the same things that I am,” Lucy said. “KFLP lets you go to work and figure it out, which I really like. You just don’t get this anywhere else.”

Thomas hopes graduates become informed advocates for natural resources and future environmental leaders.

Photo Credit: sabrina-hounshell