To help students in grades K-12 become aware of their presence in the environment, their impact upon it, and their responsibility for it, and to develop the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions regarding the use and management of the environment - and the confidence to take action on their decisions.

What is Project Learning Tree?

• Project Learning Tree is an award winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators working with students in kindergarten through grade 12.
• PLT uses the forest as a "window" into the natural world, helping young people gain an awareness and knowledge of the world around them, as well as their place within it.
• PLT is a source of interdisciplinary instructional activities and provides workshops and in-service programs for teachers, foresters, park and nature center staff, and youth group leaders.
• PLT is people! It is an international network of students, teachers, parents, community leaders, educational administrators, and representatives form the forest products industry, resource agencies and conservation groups.
• PLT works in the city and the country, whether there is a forest or a single tree.
• PLT helps prepare students to make wise decisions about conservation practices and resource use.

• PLT provides ready-made lessons and activities that can be used to supplement existing curricula
• PLT activities are action-oriented, can be used in any order, and require little, if anything, in the way of equipment.
• PLT activities can be used with students with special needs or limited English language proficiency.
• PLT was written by classroom teachers with the support and assistance of environmental educators, foresters and representatives from forest products companies, resource agencies, and conservation groups.

• Learn how to think, not what to think, about our complex environment.
• Discover how subjects and skills taught in the classroom relate to the world around them.
• Develop skills in creative problem solving, critical thinking, evaluation, and research.
• Have fun while learning.

• Discover over 175 activities that help teach science, mathematics, language arts, social studies, humanities, and other subjects.
• Receive a ready-to-use PLT guide which actively involves students in the learning process.
• Find that PLT activities work with a variety of teaching and learning styles.
• Participate in a creative hands-on workshop that helps improve their classroom skills.
• Receive a complimentary subscription to PLT's newsletter, the Branch, filled with teaching ideas and activities.

PLT is a grass roots volunteer program that works in conjunction with local school districts and state agencies. State coordinators and steering committees guide the development of the program and select and train workshop leaders. PLT is administered nationally by the American Forest Council, a forest products industry trade association dedicated to improving management of the nation's forests.

PLT is cosponsored by the American Forest Foundation (AFF) and the Western Regional Environmental Education Council (WREEC). AFF is a 501(c)3 charitable education foundation supported by grants form individuals, foundations, and the forest products industry. WREEC is an association of representatives from departments of education and departments of natural resources form 13 western states. The Society of American Foresters and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service are national associate sponsors of PLT.

In California, PLT is sponsored by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with support from the California Department of Education.

PLT has reached over 300,000 educators and more than 20 million students in 50 states, seven Canadian provinces, and Sweden, since it was field tested and revised by classroom teachers in 1977. Research and field surveys show PLT to be an effective teaching tool. Feedback from teaches ensures that PLT will remain a valuable and useful curriculum.

How do I get involved?

You find out about PLY resources and activities at a six-hour workshop held in your area, where you will meet with foresters, resource professionals, and other educators. During this workshop you will:

• Participate in hands-on activities, both indoors and out.
• Learn about trees and forest ecology from foresters.
• Expand your knowledge and teaching skills.
• Find out how PLT can enliven your curriculum.
• Meet and share ideas, information, resources from other professionals.

Workshops in your area:

To find out about PLT workshops in your area of California or for more information, contact Kay Antunez, PLT Coordinator, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, P.O. Box 944246, Sacramento, CA 94244-2460, telephone (916) 653-7958