Henderson+County

**DuPont State Forest**
Sarah Merritt

__Subject Matter Students Will Explore:__

Students will be able to look at the geography of North Carolina, specifically DuPont State Forest in Henderson County. DuPont State Forest, contains 10,400 acres, and is widely used for many recreational activities, including mountain biking, hiking, swimming, and kayaking. Destinations include mountaintop views (such as Cedar Rock Mountain), pristine lakes (such as Lake Imaging, Lake Julia, Lake Dense, and Fawn Lake), and several magnificent waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls, Hooker Falls, and Wintergreen Fall. Students will become familiar with this part of the state and learn of its significance to those living nearby and understand how this state forest is funded and kept clean.

__How/What Approaches:__

Students will first learn basic information regarding the geography and components impacting the creation of a forest. We will discuss the forests societal importance and who funds this type of geographical project. After a long discussion, students will learn that funding for the State Forest was granted by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund; about 1750 acres of the property is registered as having special ecological significance (with the N.C. Natural Heritage Program), and receive special management protection. This will transition into the main activity:

*Have students imagine there is a possibility for a 4 acre expansion to the State Forest. Students will either be for or against this and write to a local member of the Natural Heritage Trust Fund explaining the reasoning behind their opinion. Ask students to consider the social, economic, and political impact of the expansion.

__Assessment on Subject:__

Students will be assessed by taking a closer look at their content in their letters. These should be formally written and should include details regarding the geography of North Carolina. Students will also be assessed on their ability to make real life connections and being able to see how the funding of more acres of forest would be beneficial or destructive to Henderson County.