Authored by: Alyxzandria Hawes The UGA Mary Kahrs Warnell Forest Education Center, located in Effingham County, encompasses 3,200 acres of managed forests. The center offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for students, educators, and the general public, focusing on topics such as wildlife conservation, forestry techniques, and the importance of biodiversity. All youth programs are aligned with Georgia's Quality Core Curriculum standards and feature activities from nationally recognized outdoor education initiatives, including Project Learning Tree, Project WET, and Project WILD. The center also provides scout training for a diverse range of badges, including but not limited to forestry, fish and wildlife management, plant science, and orienteering. The facility includes a state-of-the-art indoor classroom equipped with advanced audio/visual technology, a spacious outdoor classroom with semi-circular bench seating and a fireplace, a catering kitchen, and an exhibit area featuring interactive displays. Additionally, there are 1.5 miles of groomed interpretive hiking trails. A new orienteering course has been introduced, allowing community members to learn about pacing and compass use. Advanced learners can also gain skills in calculating distances at the various stops along the orienteering course. The orienteering course is divided into several segments, enabling smaller groups to collaborate and engage in friendly challenges. Each waypoint along the course is labeled with a corresponding letter, and upon completion, participants will decode a secret message, which may include terms like "Warnell" or "Yellow Rat Snake”. For those interested in further exploration, the orienteering course also highlights various tree species. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to identify these species using a dichotomous key, as well as acquire skills in using forestry tools such as diameter tape for measuring diameter at breast height and a clinometer for assessing tree height. Learning orienteering offers numerous benefits that extend beyond traditional education. Firstly, it enhances students' spatial awareness and navigational skills, fostering confidence in map reading and compass use. This practical skill set promotes teamwork and collaboration, as students often work in groups to navigate courses, encouraging communication and problem-solving. Furthermore, orienteering can connect students to nature, promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle while also increasing their environmental awareness. Overall, incorporating orienteering into the curriculum not only enriches the learning experience but also equips students with valuable life skills. Individuals interested in booking a program or renting the facilities are invited to contact us at (912) 330-0531 or via email at mkwarnellcenter@uga.edu.
