OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry's Trees to Textbooks program will invest $2.1 million into 14 rural Ohio school districts. 

The Trees to Textbook program, which distributes revenue from timber harvests within state forests, began in 1999. Since then, more than $39 million has been invested into school districts and local governments, according to ODNR.

“Our state forests have a very important educational, economic, and recreational value,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Sharing that with schools, by both contributing to their programs and providing a fun learning experience, emphasizes the importance of these natural resources for future generations of Ohioans.”

According to ODNR, the Division of Forestry cares more for than 200,00 acres of state forests. The goal is to manage woodlands for health, diversity, water conservation and overall improve wildlife habitat. 

ODNR explained selected trees or areas are harvested by certified logging companies through a bid process.