COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a significant investment for rural Ohio, eleven school districts and their local counties and townships are set to receive over $1.9 million from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) through its Trees to Textbooks program. This initiative, which benefits Ohio’s rural areas, generates funds from the harvest of timber from state-managed forests and redistributes a portion of the proceeds to local schools, townships, and counties.
The program, managed by the ODNR Division of Forestry, allocates funds to the counties, townships, and school districts where timber is harvested. Specifically, 16.5% of the revenue from each timber sale is distributed to the county, 16.5% to the township, and 32% to the local school district.
On Monday, ODNR Director Mary Mertz and forestry leaders visited two local schools, Peebles Elementary in Adams County and Western Elementary in Pike County, to present checks and discuss the importance of sustainable forest management. In addition to the check presentations, the team shared educational insights with students about the critical roles that forests play in conservation, wildfire prevention, and local economies.
“The Trees to Textbooks program is a great way to give back to local communities, and it allows us to share our mission of conservation with students,” said Director Mertz. “It’s an opportunity to teach the next generation about the benefits of our state forests, not only for their environmental value but also for the economic opportunities they provide.”
Since its inception in 1999, the Trees to Textbooks program has distributed more than $41 million to Ohio’s school districts and local governments. This annual funding supports educational initiatives, enriching student success and providing essential resources to schools in rural areas.
Dan Balser, Chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry, highlighted the program’s importance: “Trees to Textbooks is a wonderful way to support the communities where Ohio’s state forests are located. It directly benefits local educators and fosters student success, while also promoting sustainable forest management.”
During their visit, the ODNR team was joined by Smokey Bear, who helped promote wildfire safety and prevention measures. The ODNR Division of Forestry manages more than 200,000 acres of state forests, ensuring their health, conservation, and diverse use for recreation. Timber harvesting is done with sustainable practices, ensuring that all activities meet environmental standards and are overseen by certified master loggers.
The Trees to Textbooks program continues to be a vital resource for rural Ohio, providing essential funding to schools while promoting awareness of conservation and environmental stewardship among students.
