Thanks to an influx of Virginia Cooperative Extension one-time funds, an effort is underway to migrate the 4-H Virtual Forest, an interactive, web-based learning experience that introduces forest management concepts to youth aged 9 through 13, to a new software platform with updated graphics.

The previous website included seven learning modules that covered the following subjects: land-use management, renewable resources, photosynthesis, tree identification, old-field succession, tree measurements, and timber harvesting.

In addition, student and adult evaluations could be completed and submitted online. Following the program’s release in the early 2000’s the 4-H Virtual Forest received national and international exposure, including national awards from the Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals, the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals, and the Natural Resources and Environmental Management Virginia Flagship Program Award. 

The 4-H Virtual Forest was Adobe Flash based and Adobe ended support for Flash in 2020 therefore making the site inoperable. Since then, regular contacts from Virginia school teachers have encouraged VCE to find a way to continue the 4-H Virtual Forest program. VCE is looking forward to re-launching the program in 2024. Special thanks to Southeast District Extension Forester Neil Clark for providing leadership to this effort with support from the Virginia Tech Center for Geospatial Information Technology.