Maine Forest Collaborative is a program of Rural Aspirations Project focused on supporting project-based learning centered around the environment and natural resources. The program used the design process to answer the question, "How can we use natural resources to positively impact our communities?". They are partnered with several high schools across Maine, including Telstar, Buckfield, Belfast, Greenville, Piscataquis, and Ecology Learning Center, and are a part of various hands-on learning experiences to teach middle and high school students about the protection and reservation of local ecosystems. LEAP Policy is a class offered to Telstar students in partnership with Maine Forest Collaborative that involves making a goal to complete a hands-on project that will result in improved sustainability in the greater Bethel area, while learning about what policies and laws affect local practices. Environmental Policy is taught by D Johannesen, and overseen by Maine Forest Collaborative program director Sara King.
To learn more about Maine Forest Collaborative, visit https://www.maineforestcollaborative.org/