Project Learning Tree

Each of us needs a basic understanding of how earth's natural systems function and of how our economy and our lives depend on the healthy working of those systems. Children need to start building that understanding when they are young. Toward that end, in 1976, school teachers and natural resource professionals began Project Learning Tree (PLT) in schools in the western U.S. This innovative environmental education program has been such a great success that it is now used in all 50 States and several other countries.

Here are a few of the favorable comments about PLT:

* The hands-on activities are enjoyed by both teachers and students, teaching them how to think, not what to think.
*PLT enables the dedicated school teachers of tomorrow's leaders to provide exciting, fun-filled learning experiences which help to develop critical thinking skills.
*Young people who experience PLT have the opportunity to learn about the valuable natural resources upon which we all depend. They also have a chance to explore the importance of trees and forests to our society from both the economic and environmental standpoints.
*PLT exposes students to the challenges of decision-making and conflict resolution regarding land use and resource allocation.

In 1977, Florida was one of the first eastern states to bring PLT to its schools. Florida's PLT program grew slowly at first. Before 1991, less than 200 teachers per year were trained to include PLT in their lessons. But, in 1994 PLT trained about 1200 teachers and in 1995, about 1600. That remarkable achievement needs to keep growing. Each year about 2,000 new public school teachers are hired in Florida--and that does not include our many private schools. Much work remains to be done before PLT's seeds can be planted in every classroom.

There are several ways that owner's of private, non-industrial forest lands can become involved in PLT:

*Attend a one-day PLT teacher training workshop. You'll come away with first hand understanding of this important program. You'll receive your own copy of the PLT activity guide so you can see the methods teachers use to make PLT part of classroom activities. Also, because a natural resource professional helps to lead each workshop and all the many benefits of forests are discussed, you may get some new ideas for managing your own land.
*Tell local teachers, principals, and school board members about PLT and put them in touch with the PLT organization so that steps can be taken to hold a teacher training workshop in your area.
*Sponsor a workshop or help find other local sources of funding. PLT is not a government "handout". In each town or county where a training is held, financial support to cover some workshop costs must come from local businesses or individuals.
*If you know a forester, wildlife biologist, or other natural resource professional who is not yet involved in PLT, encourage them to take part. Natural resource professionals who can help train teachers are especially needed in south Florida.

Project Learning Tree is teachers and natural resource professionals working together so that tomorrow's leaders--in today's classrooms--will have a sound and balanced understanding of forests and the many benefits they provide. Teachers, natural resource professionals, and forest landowners are encouraged to get involved in PLT and help school children have fun getting ready to be responsible citizens in the 21st century. For more information about PLT contact: