dkh, Big trees and young children

Professional foresters measure tree diameter using a standard timber cruising measure known as "dbh" (diameter breast height). It's a great way to help youth learn to use measurement in the 'real world'.

A different approach will get better results when young children do the measuring. We suggest using the "dkh" (diameter kid height) method shown here.

Young tree-huggers practice the dkh method of tree measurement.
This is a three-kid white oak, a real nice tree!

Urban Metro Parks and County Preserve systems offer great nearby locations for youth to experience Ohio's woods and fields--most children today do not have access to a family farm and state parks are usually not in the local community.

The really great local preserve systems provide ample opportunities for youth to escape the beaten path, to tromp on fallen leaves and to get their hands on nature.

Let's face it; walking a manicured trail is more nature viewing than nature learning. Television nature programs would quickly lose their young audience if they didn't bring their viewers up close and personal using extraordinary close-up photography of nature. It's the same in local parks: The view from the trail is scenery. Off the trail opportunities are close-ups with benefits. Hands-on learning is an experience, not a program.

I volunteered to help offer some local youth a few close-up nature opportunities last Friday at Gallant Woods Nature Preserve in Delaware County's Preservation Parks. My thanks to Preservation Parks for the opportunity to volunteer. Professional Naturalist and Education Coordinator, Jackie Brown (behind the camera), creates hands-on nature learning for youth throughout the properties in the Preservation Parks system and in many community schools.

Your support is important to your local parks, wherever you are.