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Board hears update: Cannon Falls School Forest recognized by state, expanded by volunteers and donors
Summary
At a board meeting, trustees heard a presentation on the Cannon Falls School Forest program, its recent Minnesota State School Forest recognition, volunteer projects, donor support and curriculum uses across grade levels.
Jeff (board member) reported to the Cannon Falls School Board that the district’s school forest is now a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources–recognized school forest and described recent restoration and programming work.
The presentation outlined habitat improvements since 2020 and volunteer-driven upgrades including buckthorn removal, prairie reseeding, added trees, wood-chip trails, an observation deck, three group seating areas and benches installed as Eagle Scout projects. "We are actually a, Minnesota, DNR recognized, school forest for the state," Jeff said, and he credited volunteers, donors and district facilities staff for the work.
The school forest sits between the district’s elementary and high school buildings and is used by students across grades for activities ranging from elementary reading groups and third-grade scavenger hunts to high-school chainsaw‑safety training and STEM projects. Presenters said the program provides free DNR curriculum and staff training opportunities.
Donors cited in the presentation include Tim and Julie McGillis, who helped kickstart recent work, Gemini from Intellum, which donated a sign, and other area businesses and the education foundation that provided classroom tools used with outdoor lessons. The presenter said donated “field desks” let each student bring materials into the forest.
Board members and attendees praised the program as a hands‑on learning resource. No formal action or funding request was taken during the presentation.
The board was asked to note the program as an ongoing, volunteer- and donor-supported instructional resource; staff said they will continue maintenance and training through the school year and summer volunteer events.
