The students at J.C. McKenna Middle School have been studying tropical rainforests since 1988. They became one of the first groups of students in Wisconsin to purchase and protect rainforest acres for future generations. The Tropical Tribune, a student-written newspaper for students and families, was created in 1992 to provide accurate and reliable information about rainforests, the threats facing these ecosystems, and creative ways to link student projects and interests. Requests for the publication have been received from schools in all 50 states and 20 other countries. Students from as far away as Australia have submitted articles for publication.
Distribution is now in the thousands.
Readers of the Tropical Tribune have become immensely more aware of the circumstances surrounding rainforests. Many have used the Tropical Tribune to do class projects, buy acres of rainforests, contact environmental organizations and involve others in their school and community. The Tropical Tribune creates environmental awareness on a global level. It creates active participants in the ecological problems of the rainforests and invites students to become involved and be a positive force for change in the world. Any student that sends a letter to STR asking for information receives a copy of the Tropical Tribune.