Bear Creek Educational Forest
Bear Creek Educational Forest is a 492-acre tract of Lake Talquin State Forest. Programs are FREE for any public or private school group, Scout Troop, daycare, or any other youth organization. Each program option may include a lesson, game, and hands-on activity in the forest. An interpretive hike and souvenir craft to make and take home may also be included. The Bear Creek Tract also offers hiking and camping opportunities as well as the audio enhanced Living Forest trail where the trees tell their own stories.
A list of the Florida Sunshine State Standards addressed in each program is available upon request.
 The facility consists of:
- Air-conditioned classroom with seating for 60 students
- Three nature trails ranging in length, including a paved “talking tree” trail and arboretum
- Picnic shelter where students can eat lunch
- Restrooms and drinking fountains
- Full-time staff available to guide FREE programs
Programs
- Fire Management Grades K-12
Learn about forest fires from Smokey Bear himself and a game where students become firefighters! Older students can see firefighting equipment up close.
- Photosynthesis Fun Grades 4-6
Understand photosynthesis through exciting games and activities.
- Forest Products Grades K-12
Find out which household items we are able to use each day thanks to trees.
- Water Wonders Grades 4-12
Students can learn about aquatic organisms by closely observing pond life.
- Animal Adventures Grades K-2
Animal adaptations, camouflage, and the
food chain are made fun through games and a scavenger hunt.
- Tree ID Grades 4-12
Take a journey through the forest and identify trees using a dichotomous key.
- Decomposition Broken Down Grades 2-5
Use hand lenses to take a closer look at decaying logs and find out what helps break them down.
- Orienteering Adventure Grades 4-12
Never get lost again! Learn how to use a compass and find your way in the woods.
- Ecosystem Exploration Grades 2-6
Compare the differences in ecosystems by studying the forest, pond, and yard.
- Soil Digs Grades 5-12
Discover what goes on beneath your feet by looking at soil’s layers and organisms.
- Forester for a Day Grades 3-12
Forestry tools will help students decide just how old or large trees actually are.
What to Bring
Students should dress for a day outdoors, possibly in older clothing and comfortable walking shoes. The following items are recommended:
- • Bottle of water
- • Insect repellent
- • Long pants
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sack lunch
Directions
 Bear Creek Educational Forest is located in Gadsden County, south of Quincy.
- From Interstate 10: exit onto Highway 267. Go south on Highway 267 for 4.8 miles. The entrance will be on your left.
- From Highway 20: turn north onto Highway 267. Follow Highway 267 for 7.5 miles. The entrance will be on your right.
Contact Us
For further information or to schedule your program, contact:
 Florida Forest Service
Tallahassee Forestry Center
Telephone: 850/ 488-1871
E-mail Bear Creek Educational Forest
Bear Creek Educational Forest
8125 Pat Thomas Parkway
Quincy, Florida 32351
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