Forestry Merit: Cultivating God’s Creation with Care!

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground —everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.  [Genesis 1: 29-30]

Forestry is the science and practice of managing forests and woodlands. Forests sustain our lives in so many ways. From the air we breathe and the water we drink to the food we eat and the wood and paper products we use every day. Forests are home to wildlife, and a place for hunting, hiking, and recreation to connect with God.

The goal of forestry is to maintain healthy forests that meet the needs of people and the environment. The attached materials describe forests and trees and provide a guide to identifying trees and maintaining trees, etc., around their home.

With headlines of raging wildfires across our nation and acres of good farmland being gobbled up for solar panels, the importance of maintaining our forests and other cropland is more important than ever. The forest products industry is one of the largest industries in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has a history of logging from clear-cutting old-growth forests to today’s managed public and private forests. Being a good steward of these resources is being a good citizen.

We can practice good conservation in our personal lives. For example, one night of camping, trampling down vegetation (flora) vital to the survival of birds and animals (fauna) may affect them for a year or more.

Conservation is the management and preservation of natural resources and the environment [God's Creation]. The basic elements to sustain life are air, water, soil, crops & forests, animals. Soil & Water Conservation reference sheet describes soil and erosion.  Also, visit a managed forest or wildlife refuge. Information can be applied to the Gardening Merit.

The Surveying WI Townships describes the initial [reference] point for all townships in Wisconsin.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to [toil] work it and take care of it. [Genesis 2 & 3] God grants us the responsibility to 'dress His Garden'; and by responsibly treating His Creation, we are showing our respect for His Majesty and greatness.