Force Education Fund apps due by Oct. 15

CRYSTAL FALLS — Applications for the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund are still available and are due by Oct. 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 two grants to Forest Park Schools – one to bring industrial arts students to local lumber industry locations and another to bring students to the Quincy Mine in Hancock to learn about mining and the forest industry’s role in it.  A third grant was awarded to Florence County Schools to conduct an Outdoor Adventure camp for area middle school students.
    Since its inception, the Fund has been able to award more than $17,000 to support the education of more than 2,100 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.