State Forest Education and Demonstration 

Virginia state forests offer abundant opportunities for learning about natural resources, forestry, water resources, and wildlife, as well as a visible demonstration of forest management techniques.

Self-Directed Learning

Some state forests have nature trails with interpretational signs to help educate visitors about what they see. Bring along our Common Native Trees of Virginia Identification Guide and Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia Identification Guide along to a state forest and learn about identifying the most common trees in Virginia.

ImageTitleIDDescriptionView
Acorn and Nut Identification Guide
Acorn and Nut Identification GuideFT0060

Forestry topic information sheet helps in identifying the most common acorns and nuts in Virginia to assist in the collection for our nursery.

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Bark Types
Bark Types

Pictorial sheet showing the types of bark with photo samples of each.

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Basic Tree Identification
Basic Tree Identification

By Ellen Powell, Conservation Education Coordinator – Presentation reviews the basics of tree identification.

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Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification Guide
Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification GuideP00027

Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings and an identification key to the most common native Virginia shrubs and woody vines. It also contains hints for effective plant identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.

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Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification Guide (2-page-spread)
Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia: Identification Guide (2-page-spread)P00027

Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings and an identification key to the most common native Virginia shrubs and woody vines. It also contains hints for effective plant identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.

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Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification Guide
Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification GuideP00026

Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings, and an identification key to the most common native Virginia trees. It also contains hints for effective shrub identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.

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Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification Guide (2-page spreads)
Common Native Trees of Virginia: Identification Guide (2-page spreads)P00026

Identification book is a favorite of teachers, Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Book features descriptions, line drawings, and an identification key to the most common native Virginia trees. It also contains hints for effective shrub identification, invasive species threats, and more. Printed copies available for sale.

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Identification Guide Book Order - In-Person Sales
Identification Guide Book Order – In-Person Sales13.04

Use this order form to request books for purchase and pickup in person.

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Virginia Department of Forestry offers many informational publications on a variety of subjects for self-learning. Browse our Resource Library.

Formal Education Programs

Formal educational programs at state forests for groups may be arranged at some state forests for youth and adults.

For more information or questions about educational program opportunities, e-mail us with “state forest name” in the subject line.

If you’re interested in educational programs and are located in southwest Virginia, learn more about Matthews State Forest Education Center.

Camping

While camping, either temporary or permanent is not permitted on state forests, the state forest manager may issue special Camping Permits for organized groups or special events, such as Boy or Girl Scout Troops. Contact the e-mail the state forest headquarters about group Camping Permits.

Help Support State Forest Education

You can support educational programs on your state forests by donating a portion of your state income tax refund to Virginia’s State Forests Fund. Virginia State Forests are fully self-supporting except for donations. Conservation education activities for all ages (self-guided and structured) are funded through generous taxpayer contributions to Virginia’s State Forest Education Fund tax check-off.

To contribute to the Virginia’s State Forests Fund, use the number “73” on your state tax form to identify the Virginia Department of Forestry as the recipient of your contribution. Thank you to all who have contributed in support of State Forest education!


Additional Resources

Learn more about educator resources available.

ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:Media
ID That Tree - Conway-Robinson & Whitney State Forests
ID That Tree – Conway-Robinson & Whitney State Forests

Identify trees of northern Virginia.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationdocument
ID That Tree - Matthews State Forest
ID That Tree – Matthews State Forest

Identify trees of western Virginia.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationdocument
ID That Tree - Zoar State Forest
ID That Tree – Zoar State Forest

Identify trees of eastern Virginia.

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationdocument
Tree Trunk - Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
Tree Trunk – Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest

Forest information for Appomattox-Buckingham Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationdocument
Tree Trunk - Conway-Robinson State Forest
Tree Trunk – Conway-Robinson State Forest

Forest information for Conway-Robinson Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationdocument
Tree Trunk - Cumberland State Forest
Tree Trunk – Cumberland State Forest

Forest Information for Cumberland Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationdocument
Tree Trunk - Matthews State Forest
Tree Trunk – Matthews State Forest

Forest information for Matthews Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationdocument
Tree Trunk - Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest
Tree Trunk – Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest

Forest Information for Prince Edward-Gallion Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationdocument
Tree Trunk - Whitney State Forest
Tree Trunk – Whitney State Forest

Forest Information for Whitney Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationdocument
Tree Trunk - Zoar State Forest
Tree Trunk – Zoar State Forest

Forest Information for Zoar Tree Trunk

Vieweducation lesson-plans public-informationdocument

Contact Us

For more information or questions, e-mail us with “state forest name” in the subject line for specific state forest inquiries or use our contact form.