Hosted by the Warren Forest Higher Education Council, the annual event welcomed third-grade students from schools across the Warren County School District, West Forest and a number of homeschool students from throughout the region. Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of educational stations designed to introduce them to the forests, wildlife and industries that play an important role in the region’s economy and history.

The event featured presenters and organizations from across the area, including the Woodmobile, 4-H, Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group and the Allegheny National Forest. Each station offered students a chance to interact directly with professionals who work in outdoor and environmental fields.

At one station, students toured the Woodmobile trailer, where they learned about how trees grow and the important role forests play in Pennsylvania’s environment and economy. Museum-style displays highlighted the history of the state’s forests and explained how conservation practices have changed over time.

Another station focused on wildlife education, giving students the opportunity to learn about native animals such as skunks, otters, beavers and weasels. Students were able to examine animal pelts up close while instructors discussed the animals’ habitats, behaviors and importance within the ecosystem.

Students learn to use an increment borer at Wednesday’s Woodmobile event at the Warren County Fair Grounds.

Students also took part in forestry demonstrations that allowed them to study trees firsthand. Using magnifying glasses, they examined tree rings to determine the age of trees. Students also measured tree stumps and had an opportunity to try out forestry increment borers, tools that allow experts to count tree rings without cutting trees down.

Additional exhibits focused on the history of Pennsylvania’s oil industry and the importance of wells in the state’s development. Students learned about Drake Well Museum and explored displays featuring antique oil lamps and lanterns once powered by whale oil. Presenters also demonstrated how drilling technology has evolved over time, comparing early methods with modern equipment. Historical photographs gave students a glimpse into the region’s logging history, including the use of boats and trains to transport timber through the forests of northwestern Pennsylvania.

Other activities throughout the fairgrounds included forestry-themed games and educational activities led by 4-H volunteers. One interactive game helped students understand elk population management and the role wildlife conservation plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Angela Bigelow, assistant director of the Warren Forest Higher Education Council, said the event is part of the organization’s ongoing school-to-work initiative aimed at helping students discover potential future career paths.

“School-to-work programs help students find ways to explore different careers,” Bigelow said. “These are people in the area that are doing and loving these jobs.”

Bigelow said one of the goals of the Woodmobile event is to show students that many rewarding careers connected to forestry, wildlife, conservation and natural resources exist close to home in Warren and Forest counties.

Bigelow noted that this year’s event saw strong participation from homeschool students in addition to students attending traditional schools. She said the enthusiasm shown by students throughout the day demonstrates the importance of interactive learning opportunities outside the classroom.

“It is important for students to realize their options,” Bigelow said. “Third-grade students are excited to be here and love it. The students are engaged.”

Organizers said the annual event is fully funded and organized by the Higher Education Council as part of its mission to support education and community outreach throughout the region. Along with teaching students about forests and wildlife, organizers hope the event encourages young people to think about future careers connected to the outdoors and natural resources.

As the Woodmobile event celebrates its 25th year, organizers said they hope it continues to inspire future generations to appreciate the region’s forests, history and environmental resources while introducing students to career opportunities that exist within their own communities.