Educational needs assessment of tree and woodland programs in Minnesota: results from a 2020 study

Abstract

The interests of current and potential participants are essential in determining which educational programs are offered by outreach and Extension organizations. In October 2020, the University of Minnesota Extension Forestry team gathered responses to an educational program needs assessment survey, receiving a total of 314 respondents. The most popular topics identified in the survey were woodland management, wildlife, and tree and plant identification. Not surprisingly, respondents preferred virtual learning formats during the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked about learning preferences after COVID-19 pandemic ends, the most preferred class format was a field day. These findings will inform future tree and woodland educational programs in Minnesota. The survey also revealed opportunities for new programs focused around topics such as managing woodlands for wildlife, the history of Minnesota forests, and the impacts of climate change to Minnesota forests.