CULLMAN, Ala. – For 30 years now, sixth graders across Cullman County have taken a break from the classroom to step into nature and learn what it means to be a good steward of it. Hosted May 6 and 8 at Sportsman Lake Park, this year’s FAWN (Forestry Awareness Week Now) Field Days celebrated three decades of educating local students on the natural resources surrounding them, using hands-on learning to make those lessons stick.
Organized by the Cullman County Natural Resources Planning Committee (NRPC), the event brought in nearly 850 students over two days. Tuesday’s session welcomed 290 students from East and West Elementary, St. Paul’s, Sacred Heart, Cullman Christian and local homeschool groups. On Thursday, 550 students from Good Hope, Hanceville, Holly Pond, Vinemont and Cold Springs attended.
Throughout each field day, students rotated through multiple interactive learning stations, each focused on a different aspect of natural resources. In “Skins and Skulls,” led by state Fish and Game staff, students examined animal pelts and skulls native to Alabama. At the “Alabama Water Watch” station, Alabama Cooperative Extension educators guided students through macroinvertebrate assessments to demonstrate how to monitor water quality. Volunteers led “Tree ID” sessions in the Wildflower Garden, helping students identify local tree species, while at the “Wood Products” station, led by Forestry Commission staff, they highlighted the many everyday items made from wood.
The goal? To deepen students’ understanding of the natural environment by reinforcing what they’re already learning in school with hands-on, real-world experiences.
“Several of the topics covered during the activities are covered in their science classes. This hands-on field day helps connect the dots between what they are learning in the textbook to real life,” explained Dr. Kira Sims, County Extension director. “For example, at the Water Watch station, youth hear the words ‘macroinvertebrate’ and ‘exoskeleton.’ For them to see the actual ‘critters’ up close, reiterates their classroom lessons.”
To Dr. Sims, that kind of real-world exposure is one of the biggest benefits of hosting the event at a place like Sportsman Lake Park. “FAWN is a great way to educate our youth about the natural resources in our area using hands-on activities,” Sims stated. “When we host at Sportsman Lake Park, many of the youth are familiar with the park, but we are helping them to see it as more than a playground that it is brimming with life in the lake, creeks, woods and meadows.”
She added, “Outside of school, a lot of youth are consumed by technology and screen time. We are hopeful that getting them outdoors in places like Sportsman Lake Park and showing them the living environment that is in their backyard will encourage them to explore their own space.”
With years of experience working with students, Dr. Sims knows firsthand how outdoor learning can leave a lasting impression. For FAWN, that impact continues to reveal itself even decades later.
“I haven’t been doing this long enough to see all of the impacts, but there are a few stories that I’ve been told,” Sims shared. “One of the ladies that helps us with the event realized she was in the first group, 30 years ago, that came through FAWN and now she’s back helping out. That full circle moment is really special.”
Sims also shared that the County Extension director in Winston County, who helps with their own FAWN event, once attended as a student. “He enjoys being able to give back by now teaching at their FAWN event,” she added. “It’s encouraging to see former students return as leaders, continuing the work that once inspired them.”
Those full-circle moments are what keeps FAWN moving forward. The event runs entirely on volunteer coordination, with most of the planning handled by NRPC members alongside local agencies, landowners and educators. Sponsors across the county help cover costs like T-shirts and supplies for the students involved. “We couldn’t do it without the sponsors. They are committed to natural resources education and we truly appreciate that,” Sims stated.
Having reached its 30th year now, FAWN continues to act as a living classroom for Cullman County students. It serves as a place where lessons from their textbooks come to life and where the next generation of students can begin to cultivate their love and respect for the beauty in nature that surrounds them.
For more information on FAWN or upcoming NRPC events, contact the NRPC at 256-734-1431 or kholmes@cullmanswcd.com.
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