| Each year, the Natchez Trace Parkway participates in Fire Prevention Week by hosting field trips for students from local schools. This year, more than 300 third and forth graders from Pontotoc county (Mississippi) schools participated. In conjunction with the Tupelo Fire Department, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office, students received information about fire prevention. Students were taught about Smokey Bear, things they could do to help prevent unwanted fires, and were introduced to some of the tools of the trade (Photo 1). Smokey Bear made an appearance, and no one could resist the urge to give him a big hug. (Photo 3).
The concept that fire is an important disturbance for plants was also addressed. Students were led on a half-mile nature walk where the importance of fire in reducing fuels and perpetuating certain plant species was discussed. For some students, this was the first time they had ever been in a forest (Photo 2). The number one question posed by the third graders was "Are we going to see any tigers?"
The fire program at the Natchez Trace strives to be active community by spreading the word about what it is we do. In order to increase awareness, the fire program participated in a local scarecrow trail hosted by the North Mississippi Horticulture Center Master Gardeners. Businesses and organizations from around the area were invited to enter a scarecrow. The scarecrow, properly named "Hotshot" was a hit (Photo 4). Hotshot wore a sign briefly explaining who he is, and where people could get more information about fire in the NPS. 
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