In October 2003, ninety-two sixth and seventh graders in three classes at the Idyllwild School participated in the first Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council (MCFSC) education program funded by a much appreciated grant from the Lluella Morey Murphey Foundation. The program covered the history of fire suppression in the United States, what constitutes a healthy forest, what individuals can do to contribute to fire safety/healthy forests, and what communities can do to contribute to fire safety/healthy forests in their areas. The first and third days were classroom presentations and videos covering the topics. The middle day consisted of a field trip to areas representing a healthy forest, a community fuel break, an unabated private property and an abated private property.

On the fourth day, the classroom teacher (Lenore Sazer-Krebbers) had each of the students write an essay about what they had learned during the three-day program. The MCFSC sponsored a contest for the students to submit either an essay or a poster demonstrating what they learned and educating others about the situation. The prizes for the contest were divided among the two grade levels and awarded separately for posters and essays to provide the largest number of awards. There were four 1^st place prizes of $20.00, four 2^nd place prizes of 2 tickets to the local theater, and four 3^rd place prizes of $10.00 gift certificates to the local pharmacy which carries a large variety of items. Students submitted 55 essays and 27 posters for the contest (Some students submitted both a poster and an essay.). Each winner was also presented with a certificate of achievement from the MCFSC. Three members of the MCFSC judged the posters and essays.

Coverage of the event was provided by the Idyllwild Town Crier with articles during and after the program. The Town Crier also published the essays written by the first place winners. In addition the posters were placed in merchant windows at the Idyllwild Pizza Co. and Showtime Video in the community and then displayed at the school in a public area. The students attended and were recognized for their work at the November 2003 general meeting of the MCFSC.

There was a lot of positive feedback on the program from Lenore Sazar-Krebbers (the science teacher at the school who comprised the third member of the teaching team) and from parents who reported children coming home with ideas for making their property more fire safe. Plans for the future at the request of the school include continuing the program for 6^th graders each year.

Roberta Corbin
MCFSC Education Project Coordinator

Larry Kueneman
MCFSC Project Manager & Instructor