Download Materials to Promote Tree Conservation
A classroom learning guide and a poster on trees and tree planting are available free of charge from American Forests, an organization that encourages planting trees for environmental restoration. The downloadable guide, titled A Tree for Every Child, includes science-based materials to help teachers educate students about trees, the important role trees play in maintaining a healthy environment, and how students can make a difference by planting trees. Six lesson plans in the packet teach the anatomy of trees and the functions they serve. In addition, students learn how trees improve air quality, control floodwater, cool the planet, and provide wildlife habitat.
An optional public service program encourages students to raise money to have trees planted in one of American Forests’ Global ReLeaf ecosystem restoration projects. Every dollar donated plants one tree in an ecosystem restoration project. These projects restore degraded sites with trees that help reduce erosion and storm water runoff. Each school or class that raises at least $100 receives the offspring of a historic tree to plant at their school. American Forests, Washington, DC, (202) 955-4500, www.americanforests.org.
This article originally appeared in the 05/01/2001 issue of THE Journal.