An exciting and interactive exhibit has reached more than 400,000 museum goers across the country and has been given the highest national award for fire prevention activities.
Since its debut in Milwaukee in 2009, the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home exhibit has traveled to various children’s and science museums to introduce the U.S. Forest Service symbols to a younger generation, especially to children between 2 and 8 years old.
The Forest Service’s Urban Connections Team of the Eastern Region along with the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in Milwaukee were presented the national award in Milwaukee. They were commended for their collaboration and their hands-on approach to teaching children about wildfire prevention.
In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented the first Gold Smokey Bear Award. Today, the award is presented by the National Association of State Foresters, the Ad Council, and the Forest Service. A maximum of three Gold Smokey Bear Awards are selectively given out based on outstanding wildfire prevention service over a period of at least two years on a national scope. Silver level awards are considered for those whose efforts are on a regional scope and bronze for a U.S. state level.