Forest for Learning was established in 2019 to own and manage the former Putney Central School Forest. Its mission is to protect and conserve the environmental and ecological integrity of the Forest and to foster educational programming in forest ecology, stewardship, and sustainability. The goals of this mission were identified by the Putney Town School District in 2016 with input from Town residents. The mission and the decision to transfer the land received voter approval in 2017.
Today, the Forest hosts 6 outdoor classrooms that are being used daily by the Putney Central School. These classrooms have dramatically increased the number of young children in the Forest; not just in the classrooms, but throughout the property. This partnership between Forest for Learning and the school is supporting rich place-based learning opportunities and allows classrooms to continue learning outdoors through the seasons.
To support this work and our mission of managing the property for nature appreciation and education, the Forest for Learning Board has a new land-use policy which includes a ban on all motorized vehicles.
Guidelines for Use:
• All trails are designed as Footpaths. Wheelchairs, bikes, and skiers may encounter unsuitable terrain in some sections. Mountain bikes are permitted on the trails, but please don’t use them during wet periods.
• Dogs are permitted but must be kept under the owner’s control at all times.
• Outdoor classrooms are located at various spots in the Forest, for use by the Putney Central School. Please respect these – they are important to the students and their teachers.
• Please strive for low impacts to the Forest by following carry-in/carry-out and leave-no-trace practices.
• Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the Forest, except for emergencies and authorized maintenance activities.
• Outdoor fires and camping are not permitted without prior authorization from Forest for Learning.
• Hunting and trapping is not permitted.
To learn more about Forest for Learning, visit putneyforestforlearning.org.
Questions? Contact us at forestforlearning@gmail.com Thank you!