For Release: October 10, 1997 *PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AND LOCAL INTEREST

Contact: Paul Dolan 277- 1415

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - A total of 250 students from four schools will participate in the fifth annual Walk in the Forest Wednesday, October 15, led by Paul Dolan, supervising forester for the RI Department of Environmental Management.

The interpretive walk is part of a conservation education program co-sponsored by the Rhode Island Chapter, Society of American Foresters. Dolan, foresters from the Providence Water Supply Board, and other chapter members will explain forestry management and watershed issues to each school group on their individual 45-minute walks.

Students from North Smithfield High School, Captain Isaac Paine School in Foster, Western Hills Middle School in Cranston, and Stony Lane School in North Kingstown will participate in this year's walk, which will be held on Providence Water Supply land in Scituate.

9 a.m. North Smithfield High School

10 a.m. Capt. Isaac Paine School, Foster

11 a.m. Western Hills Middle School, Cranston

12 p.m. Stony Lane School, North Kingstown

Directions: From junction of Routes 116 and 14, take Route 14 West 1.5 miles. Meet on the left, 200 yards past the causeway.