Force Education Fund apps due by Feb. 15

CRYSTAL FALLS — Grant applications for the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund are now available and are due by Feb. 15.
    The fund was established in April 2015 in memory of John E. Force, a Crystal Falls-based consulting forester. The Fund is devoted to funding forestry and other natural resource education projects in the Crystal Falls and Florence areas. It has a close relationship with the Forest Park and Florence school districts, as well as the Florence Natural Resources Center.  
    Applications are available at www.sustainableinc.org or by calling 875-3720.
    The John E. Force Forestry Education Fund recently awarded a grant to Friends of Camp Batawagama for the purchase of backpacks for campers to hike in the woods on either a day trip or an overnight stay.
    Also, the Fund awarded a grant to the Crystal Falls District Library for hiring two authors to speak about their novels to Forest Park elementary school students and to purchase books for each child.
    Since its inception, the Fund has been able to award more than $16,000 to support the education of more than 2,000 students in honor of John Force.  
    The fund is administered by the Sustainable Resources Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Great Lakes Region and is managed by a committee consisting of Jim Force, Nancy Hronkin, and Stu Boren.  
    Contributions can be made to the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund, c/o Sustainable Resources Institute, Inc., 1353 W. Hwy. U.S. 2, Suite 2, Crystal Falls, MI 49920.
    Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
    Funds raised through contributions are used to support projects that help educate young people about forestry and career opportunities in the field. All contributions go toward grant projects.
    For more information, contact the Institute at 875-3720.