Forest health detectives

“Forest health” is an important concept often not covered in tree, forest, insect, or fungal ecology and biology. With minimal, inexpensive equipment, students can investigate and conduct their own forest health survey to assess the percentage of trees with natural or artificial wounds or stress. Insects and diseases in the forest are the focus, though student guides could be modified for many terrestrial or aquatic systems, depending on location. The lesson is geared toward older students, with suggestions for adaptation in earlier grades as well