Forestry Group Honors O’Neill of Warren as Educator of the Year

The Arkansas Forestry Association Education Foundation (AFAEF) honored Ricky O’Neill of Warren as its 2016 Forestry Educator of the Year during the group’s annual awards breakfast on October 6, in Fayetteville.

Since 2003, O’ Neill has participated in local Arbor Day celebrations, educating local students about the importance of planting trees.

“Working with kids is fun, challenging and unpredictable,” O’ Neill said.

Communities in south Arkansas are very familiar with Ricky, as he is regularly involved with local civic clubs, educating them on forestry in Arkansas. O’ Neill plays a vital role with the AFA Education Foundation’s Teacher Conservation Tour. He and his team give Arkansas teachers a hands-on experience of forestry life.

Ricky leads countless tours of Moro Big Pine, Lost 40 and other Potlatch lands to various groups, including college classes, the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Board and other groups. O’ Neill serves as Potlatch Corporation’s Environmental and Certification auditor.

The Arkansas Forestry Association Education Foundation is a 501(c)3. The Foundation’s mission is to inform individuals, businesses, educators, school children and others of the benefits of quality management of forestlands and the importance of the forestry community to the people of Arkansas.
For more information about the Education Foundation and more AFA programs, look online at www.arkforests.org.